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A hypnotherapist says she is worried about the possible emotional dangers posed to vulnerable people by sex robots.

Zoe Clews, who offers therapy to deal with confidence, self-esteem, anxiety and trauma, has said the robot dolls could be “dangerous” as they mean people may find it harder to interact in the real world.

The controversial devices are on the market now with some lifelike models costing around £15,000.

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Zoe Clews, who is based in London, said: “I’m not judging the morality of these. Each to his or her own in the bedroom, as far as I’m concerned. But I have grave concerns about the artificial intelligence in the sense that these robots are being programmed to interact on a social level and are being promoted as companionship for the lonely.

“I think that’s dangerous because it makes it harder for someone who fears social contact or engagement to resolve whatever the fear is that stops them from being a functioning part of their society, however we might define that.”

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Competition between sex robot companies is fierce as the sexual technology industry is thought to be worth £30billion.

In 2016, an international conference of robots experts was held in the UK, where issues like the morality and legality of sex with robots were discussed.

Sex robots have featured heavily in national newspapers and have even appeared on This Morning with Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.

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Ms Clews said: “The manufacturers are already saying that these products – because in the end, that’s what they are – will provide support for people who have been bereaved or who are vulnerable through social isolation, whether self-imposed or otherwise. But actually, the likelihood is that the reverse will be true and people will simply become more emotionally and socially isolated.

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“These are people for whom a sex robot will provide a veneer of sociability. It will be easier for people who are already victims of fear and trauma to justify their continued disconnection with other people.

“Whichever way you slice that, it’s not going to lead to a good outcome.”

Ms Clews is now calling on manufacturers to take a “responsible approach” to marketing these dolls.

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She added: “They are designed to provide a form of sexual experience. That’s fine, they’re just the most recent and technologically advanced in a long line of previous products that aim to do the same thing.

“But to pass them off as some sort of friend or companion is dangerous.”