Sex Robot Madness

As loneliness and technological progress advance side by side in modern society, Sex Robot Madness roams the Uncanny Valley of ethics and desire, navigating the blurred boundaries between human intimacy and artificial lovers.

From ancient Greek statues to the iconic Barbie, and onward to AI-powered, orgasmic sex robots, humans have long sought intimacy through the creation of artificial, sexualised bodies. Yet, like any technological development, this evolution raises complex ethical questions. Through interviews and personal observations, the film presents both critical and supportive perspectives on ethics, commodification, and the commercialisation of intimacy with anthropomorphised silicone dolls. Is the feeling of being desired by another truly achievable with a machine? Humorous and inquisitive, the film leads us deep into the controversial world of artificial lovers – from factory floors to brothels.

– Nasrin Reshadi

TALK

Why do I keep attracting the same type of people? How do I set boundaries without feeling guilty? Why do I feel lonely even when I’m surrounded by others?

According to ChatGPT, these are among the questions people most often ask both psychologists and AI. Before artificial intelligence existed, such questions required an appointment with a therapist or doctor or long conversations with friends. Today, none of that is necessary. From the comfort of your bed, within just a few keystrokes, you can get answers instantly, for free, and without effort. And that’s exactly what we’re all doing.

But what is the real difference between an AI and a human expert with years of experience?

We will explore this live. Social robot Furhat and relationship therapist Tila Pronk will face off. You ask the questions; they provide the answers. Together, we will experience and compare their responses. In addition, the mind behind Furhat: chinmaya will take the stage to explain how AI is currently being used and what developments lie ahead. He is a postdoctoral researcher in the multimodal language department and focuses on artificial agents. 

In collaboration with Max Planck Institute