The first ever international conference on the issue of sex and possible "relationships" with robots called "Technology and Intimacy: Choice or Coercion?" took place in Britain a few days ago. In an interview with Sputnik, several experts in the field of sexology and psychology commented on the issue.

One could expect that the opinions in such a delicate area will be different. In an interview with Sputnik, experts expressed various views on the issue.

Thus, sexologist and psychologist from London Kate Moyle believes that the idea of sex with robots might attract many people "who may have a fear of intimacy or rejection or who struggle with the vulnerability involved when it comes to human relationships."

At the same time, she expressed concerns that if a person uses a robot for sex for a long time it would be difficult for him or her to have an intimate relationship with other people in the future.

For his turn, Russian sexologist Lev Shcheglov welcomed the conference itself but mentioned that even the most attractive robot is only a machine that is created for human satisfaction.

"Learning everything related to a human being in terms of technology is a direct scientific task. Therefore, from a scientific point of view, the conference is the right move. But the question about true love and marriage with robots is illusory, because it still is a simple mechanism of self-satisfaction. Creating a robot that would have feelings, individual choice and unpredictable reactions, not to mention the complicated psyche of the subconscious, is impossible in principle," the expert stated.

In a world where robot technology is able to achieve the same or even better results than a human can, it could eventually lead to many also deeming amorous encounters with a robot as being better than that with another human being.

In this context, Shcheglov argued that for certain groups of people robots could be really helpful, but to the majority of mankind they pose a serious danger.

"It could be useful when it comes to wheelchair users or people injured in some tragic incidents. For such people, a real romantic encounter and sexual contact is unlikely, that is why sex with a robot could be good for them," Shcheglov said.

"But for the great mass of normal people, it won't be good," the expert continued. "Sex with a robot is just a fake imitation […]. And it can lead to psychopathic disorders and isolation. Sex with robots won't bring into a person's life the emotional effect that gives us a true communion. You can eat pseudo-food to still hunger, but over time it will still end badly. After all, the body won't get the substances that are present in the natural products. And in this case — the emotions that shape and bring sense to our life, make it unique, different from others," the expert concluded.

Although the future forecasts about life with robots don't sound positive enough, according to some reports, innovative brothels with sex robots might open in Britain already in the coming years. The authorities believe that it will help to solve a range of social problems, such as illegal prostitution and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, as reported by Mirror.