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Hyper-realistic sex robots with “human-like skin” and the ability to “talk dirty” are flooding the X-rated marketplace across the world.

Barcelona-based developer Sergi Santos told Daily Star Online of his plans to sell his “very human” sex robots in “every” adult shop globally.

But despite their popularity, the rapid spread of erotic cyborgs has thrown up difficult legal and ethical problems.

A report from Foundation for Responsible Robotics has raised concerns that the growth of erotic androids could lead to an increase in sickening sex crimes.

(Image: REALDOLL/INSTAGRAM)

AI specialist professor Noel Sharkey, who co-authored the report, said guilt free sex with a submissive robot could encourage objectification, abuse, rape and paedophilia.

Some controversially believe that sex robots can be used to treat paedophiles by quelling their urges to molest children.

But Prof Sharkey, of the University of Sheffield, is dubious about the therapy and has called for a ban on child sex robots entering the UK.

(Image: RUPTLY)

In an interview with the Memo, Mr Sharkey said child sex dolls need to be regulated by an international body.

He said: “There is already some legal protection in place in the UK where last month a man was jailed for possession of a child sex doll (and some other nasty materials).

“In Canada there has been a case ongoing for two years, but in the USA they are still legal, so we really require international regulation.”

“It has been suggested that some people, particularly the young, may try these and move on to real children. This is outside of my expertise.”

Speaking of the risks, Prof Sharkey said the methods used to build sex robots that resembled celebrities could be used for more sinister purposes.

“Another worry, which I believe most of us would find abhorrent, is that the technology [could be used] to create an exact likeness of any particular child from a photograph.

“Someone recently made a Scarlett Johansson robot in that way. Would anyone want a sex doll replica of a child?”

(Image: REUTERS/GETTY)

Sergi has challenged Sharkey, insisting it is too early to make such statements without sufficient research.

He said: “It is dangerous now to say: 'no to sex robots' or 'yes to sex robot.

"It is time to think and debate openly rather than argue with absolute statements.

"Only after the revolution is gone, and sex robots are established in our society, statements will be strong enough to be given I think."