Seen is Harmony, a sex robot developed by the U.S.-based sex tech firm Realbotix. / Courtesy of Realbotix



By Baek Byung-yeul





The head of Harmony, a sex robot / Courtesy of Realbotix

Sex robot "brothels" have emerged as a potentially lucrative business as sex doll manufacturers offer more sophisticated, individually tailored models, thanks to advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies.



With many shops that offer sex with these robots popping up in Europe and Canada, some technology pundits here are cautiously suggesting Korea may have to deal with this controversial issue in the near future.



Advocates say sex with robots can reduce the need for sex workers and help disabled people enjoy the same sexual pleasure as others do, in the privacy of their own room.



But opponents argue that sex robots cannot replace women and they will dehumanize the relationship between men and women.



The latest controversy over sex robots erupted in Houston in late September as Canadian sex robot maker KinkySdollS sought to open a shop that rents and sells sex robots in the U.S. city.



Although there were no laws that could stop the business from opening, the firm had to withdraw the plan as it had met with opposition from city officials and residents. To prevent further issues, the city council members voted unanimously on Oct. 3 to change the city's ordinance, whereby companies are allowed to sell sex robots but customers are not allowed to use those robots inside the shops.



Sex robots are banned from import to Korea. Under article 234 of the customs law, goods that disrupt the constitutional order, disturb public safety and order or corrupt morals shall not be exported or imported.



However, it is possible to purchase life-size sex dolls online here. Also, sex dolls made by local firms are available on the internet. While it is illegal to import or export sex dolls, there are no laws that forbid manufacturing and selling the dolls here.



While sex robots are still legally unavailable here, experts say possibilities are open for Korea to allow "robot prostitution."



"The positive aspect of sex robots is that they will help decrease the number of women who sell sex illegally," said Kang Dong-woo, director at the Korean Institute for Sexual and Couple's Health (KISCH). The KISCH is a private clinic for sex counseling in Seoul.



"It is no secret that there are many men who use prostitution services. Prostitution is available everywhere here through the internet. In such circumstances, I think chances are open for the country to introduce robot prostitution in the near future as it can reduce sex crimes and illegal prostitution," Kang said.



Stating that it is impossible to stop technical advances of the sex robot industry, Kang said robot prostitution can prevent other social problems.



"No matter how strict the regulations are, sex robots will continue to be improved. Those robots can reduce sexual abuse of children and they will be helpful in reducing sexually transmitted infections," he said.



Kang also agreed sex robots would offer sexual gratification to some people who cannot achieve it in relationships with other humans.



"In terms of satisfying sexual gratification, sex robots can help people fulfill their desires. In that sense, robot prostitution is likely to be legalized," he said.





Matt McMullen, CEO of Realbotix, sculpts the face of Harmony, a sex robot. / Courtesy of Realbotix