David Levy has worked in the field of Artificial Intelligence since graduating from St. Andrews University, Scotland, in 1967. He led the team that won the 1997 Loebner Prize in Artificial Intelligence in New York. In 1968 Levy (who is an International Master and expert in computer chess) challenged four Artificial Intelligence luminaries to develop a computer program that could beat him at chess within ten years (he won the bet in 1978, but was eventually defeated in 1989). He is also the president of the International Computer Games Association .
In the final chapters of Levy’s most recent book, Robots Unlimited: Life in a Virtual Age, he turns his attention to love, sex, and reproduction among and between humans and robots, as well as the ethical issues raised in having sex with robots.
I asked David Levy about his work in the area of AI and sexuality, and his vision of the not too distant future of human robot sexual interactions. A complete reference guide for Levy’s most recent book as well as many of the references he cites in this interview, can be found on the publishers website, AK Peters.
When most people hear the term "sex with robots" they probably imagine something from their experience of popular media, whether it’s a Star Wars robot, Bender from Futurama, or the maid from the Jetsons. Can you explain what in your writing you mean when you talk about sex with robots?
I am thinking in terms of androids - robots designed in a humanlike form - of which many examples can be found on the Web site www.androidworld.com. But in addition to having arms, legs and a head, sexual robots will also have human-sized genitalia. This idea is not at all as far fetched as might first appear.
As long ago as the late 19th century there were manufacturers, in Paris and elsewhere, who made artificial vaginas and even whole artificial bodies, designed specifically to provide substitutes for the female genitals and thereby to allow fornication. These products were known as "dames de voyage" (ladies of travel) and were particularly recommended for use by sailors during long periods at sea. The sex robots that I envisage will, of course, employ 21st rather than 19th century technology, but the basic idea is the same.
In your most recent book you outline some of the research endeavors and technological developments already underway that you predict might produce some of the first opportunities for humans to have sex with robots. Can you describe some of these?
There are many sex-related inventions that have been patented over the past century or so. In fact there is a whole book devoted to the subject of sex inventions at the U.S. Patent Office.
In "Robots Unlimited" I describe a recent patent application by an Australian inventor, Dominic Choy. This is just one taste of things to come. What I see happening is that the merging of many different technologies will lead to the creation of robots that provide many of the physical attributes required of a skilled lover.
Scientists have already developed artificial skin sufficiently sensitive to distinguish between a gentle caress and firm pressure; and the complementary capability - an artificial finger that can apply sensuous strokes. There is also research into silicone-based and similar types of materials used in the RealDoll and rival products, materials that provide for the user a measure of simulation of coupling with a human sex partner. Then add one or more of the specifically sexual electronic technologies that are already available, such as those employed for the benefit of women in the Thrillhammer, the Sybian, or the hugely popular vibrators that pleasure so many millions of customers; or the male equivalents - vibrating penis rings. The combination of these technologies and others will enable robots to deliver sexually awesome experiences.
