Robot ethicist wants to ban sex robots, before sex robots ban us

A robot ethicist in the UK with far too much time on her hands, has decided to launch a campaign to ban the development of "sex robots." Of course the campaign makes excellent news fodder, is completely unwarranted and unneeded, but nevertheless it's a cause Isaac Asimov's fictional robopsychologist Dr. Susan Calvin would be proud to champion. So there, see?

Yes, now you've heard everything.

In IT Blogwatch, bloggers campaign against silly campaigns.

Today's humble blogwatcher is Stephen Glasskeys.

Justin Moyer tickles our gag reflex:

Imagine: It's 2030, or 2040, or 2050. You're at home with your robot. It's a hot night, and there’s not much to do. You're feeling a little romantic. So you sidle on over...  MORE

Dave Lee could be rolling his eyes:

A campaign has been launched calling for a ban on the development of robots that can be used for sex.
…
Such a use of the technology is unnecessary and undesirable, said campaign leader Dr Kathleen Richardson.  MORE

It will be a long time before Ana Matronic goes on a date with a robot:

It will be a long time until a robot can walk, talk and communicate with any level of human skill.
…
It will be a very long time indeed until the hairs on the back of a robot's neck can stand up, before a robot experiences the rush of a first kiss, the syrupy swoon in the scent of a rose, the goosebumps from a great piece of music.  MORE

But Evan Schuman believes time is a luxury we don't have:

End-of-mankind predictions about artificial intelligence...have generally sounded overly alarmist to me, exhibiting a bit more fear-of-the-unknown than I would have expected. But that was before I saw reports on the self-aware robot.  MORE

Shed Ninja (@Gazooki666) has seen it all:

There's a robot ethicist calling for a ban on the production of sex robots. Now I've seen everything.  MORE

Meanwhile, Joe Russell won't let go:

They can take my sex robot when they pry me from its cold, dead hands  MORE

You have been reading IT Blogwatch by Stephen Glasskeys, who curates the best bloggy bits, finest forums, and weirdest websites… so you don't have to. Catch the key commentary from around the Web every morning. Hatemail may be directed to @Glasskeys or itbw@richi.uk. Opinions expressed may not represent those of Computerworld. Ask your doctor before reading. Your mileage may vary. E&OE.

To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here