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A disturbing warning has been issued about the future of so-called "sex robots" in a report from the the Foundation for Responsible Robotics.

Acknowledging that these dolls are becoming more lifelike and responsive, the foundation has warned that they could be used to simulate rape and other non-consensual actions.

"Sex robot machinery operated by on-board computers cannot grant consent or be raped any more than a soap dish can be raped," the report states.

"However, a life-like humanoid robot could be used to simulate a rape."

(Image: Getty)

The report - titled " Our sexual future with robots " - was written with the help of Professor Noel Sharkey, from the University of Sheffield.

It seeks to raise awareness of sex robots and issues grim warnings about the "dark side" of the rapidly advancing technology.

Research cited by the paper suggests that two-thirds of men are in favour of using sex robots while only one-third of women are. It argues this could lead to an imbalance in production as the majority of the male-dominated engineering industry produces mostly female sex robots.

"There are a bunch of companies making these (things) and beginning to ship orders in fact, and we thought policymakers and the public should really know what was going on," Professor Sharkey said.

(Image: Getty)

The paper also explores the possibility that child-like robots will be produced to help provide therapy for convicted paedophiles.

Prof Sharkey wanted to see the government take pre-emptive action to stop paedophile sex robots entering the UK.

"I would say there should be an import ban on those," he said.