El Podcast

E63: Sex Robots: A Deep Dive into Lobotics - w/ Dr. Jennifer Farrell

Episode Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Jennifer Farrell, a science fiction scholar, discusses the current state and future of sex robots. They explore the number of companies making sex robots, the experiences of men with sex dolls, and the attitudes towards sex robots in different cultures. They also discuss the ethical and legal implications of sex robots, including the potential for abuse and the question of sentience. The conversation touches on themes from science fiction literature and speculates on the future of AI and robotics. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the current landscape and potential future developments in the field of sex robots. The conversation explores the potential destruction of AI, the interest in science fiction, the progression of technology, the recycled nature of TV and movies, the unlikelihood of fully functioning AI sentient sex bots, the ethical dilemmas of sentient robots, the potential risks and hacking of connected devices, the possibility of pulling back on advancements, the corporate motivation behind upgrades, potential blackmail and legal issues, cleaning and maintenance of sex bots, acceptance of relationships with sex bots, the rights of AI and pets, the discussion of AI and humanity in education, different perspectives in engineering education, the desire for human connection, and final thoughts on sex bots. Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/u62wfuF1fVE

Episode Notes

Sex robots, intimacy, AI ethics, and the future of human-robot relationships explored with science fiction scholar Dr. Jennifer Farrell,

👤 Guest Bio:
Dr. Jennifer Farrell is a professor of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Milwaukee School of Engineering and a science fiction scholar whose research explores the ethical, emotional, and cultural implications of emerging technologies—including sex robots.

🧠 Topics Discussed:

• The evolution of sex robots: from dolls to AI companions
• Cultural, ethical, and psychological barriers to adoption
• How science fiction anticipates real-world dilemmas
• Emotional attachment to AI and shifting definitions of relationships
• Legal and societal impacts of sentient machines
• Market size, usage trends, and regulatory blind spots
• The blurred line between novelty, therapy, and exploitation

💬 Top Quotes:

“Half of men in the Amsterdam robot brothel couldn’t come to completion—uncanny valley is real.”

“A sex robot programmed to love you short-circuits the basic human need to be chosen.”

“It’s okay to be uncomfortable and not have a solid opinion on sex robots—we’re in uncharted territory.”