Scientists are advising we prepare for a new form of "digisexuality"- people gaining all sexual satisfaction from technology.
In a new report published in Journal of Sexual and Relationship Therapy, ethics researchers from the University of Manitoba, Canada, say we need to prepare for the effects of 'radical new technologies' on our understanding of sexuality.
"It is safe to say the era of immersive virtual sex has arrived," said Associate Professor Neil Mccarthur, Director of the university's centre for professional and applied ethics.
The researchers argue that as virtual sex technologies become more ubiquitous, a significant section of society will come to identify themselves as "'digisexual', or "people whose primary sexual identity comes through the use of technology."
"These robots will be tailor-made to meet people's desires and will do things that human partners cannot or will not do. For this reason, significant numbers of people will likely come to use robots as their primary mode of sexual experience."
A range of customisable sex robots are already commercially available, with the latest models selling for over $20,000 NZD.
Sex robots can customised down to eye-color, fingernail shape, breast size and languages spoken and manufactuers say they are struggling to meet demand.
'Silicon Samantha' is an AI bot with a fully functional vagina, including a G-spot, according to its inventors, Mr Arran Squire and Dr Sergi Santos. In an interview with the Daily Star, they claimed demand is so strong they want to begin mass production.
"We would very much like a company...to mass produce the head, including skull electronics."
"We are having so many orders and are struggling to meet demand."
While the researchers argue there may be therapeutic uses for sex robots, commercial bots are already raising ethical questions of sexual violence and consent.
'Roxxxy', from 'True Companion' can be set to 'Frigid Farrah' setting, where she will resist being touched and say 'no'.
This has drawn strong criticism online, with Laura Bates, campaigner and founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, writing in the New York Times earlier this year "Rape is not an act of sexual passion."
True companion responded with a post on their site, saying:
"Frigid Farrah can be used to help people understand how to be intimate with a partner.
Rape simply isn't an interaction that Roxxxy supports nor is it something that our customers are requesting."
Male sex dolls, with fully bionic penises, are also available, though in less variety.
The newest sex doll on the market, 'Harmony 3.0', whose features include 'warm skin' and 'self lubricating vagina', is set to be released in time for Christmas.
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