The Robot will Feel You Now: The Ethics of Artificial Emotional Inteligence in Sex Robots^*

Abstract

Sex robots have emerged as a topic of growing ethical and social concern, especially in terms of their impact on the individuals’ sexual health and their potential to establish loving relationships with users. The implementation of artificial emotional intelligence (AEI) into sex robots could increase the likelihood of users developing feelings of love towards these machines. This article explores whether the integration of AEI would exacerbate or offer a solution to the ethical issues surrounding sex robots, while also evaluating the impact of AEI on users’ emotional and sexual wellbeing. It also proposes some practical guidelines for an ethical design of sex robots and emphasises the need for ongoing dialogue and research on the role of AEI technology in sex robots, seeking to contribute to the broader discussion on the ethical implications of such technological advancements.