I'm getting a robot: No conflicts or disagreements, just companionship, support, and a calm relationship without emotional tension
Imagine programming a partner exactly to your liking. A robotic husband will never forget about your vacation, won't be angry when you come home late from work, and will always listen to you faithfully. Such relationships are no longer just the subjects of movies and books.
These mechanical companions are no longer just technical creations with a human appearance, but thanks to advanced artificial intelligence, they are increasingly becoming closer to people in terms of behavior. Although these are not real interpersonal relationships, some people form deep emotional bonds with them and even desire marriage. Despite the progress, however, these humanoids still do not reach the level of a full-fledged partner, their communication skills are comparable at most to small children.
One of the main obstacles that would prevent marriage between a human and a robot is the robot's insufficient ability to experience real emotions. While modern artificial intelligence systems can simulate feelings, empathetic responses, and even conduct deep conversations, their "feelings" are just programmed algorithms. For many people who are only seeking companionship and support, however, such a relationship may be sufficient.
Marriage with Artificial Intelligence
Chinese man Zheng Jiajia had been in relationships with real women in the past, but when love failed him and his parents pressured him to finally find a woman, he opted for an unconventional solution. As an artificial intelligence expert, he constructed a partner for himself, whom he named Yingying. After two months of living together, he became convinced that she was the one for him and decided to marry her in 2017. Given that Chinese laws do not yet allow for official marriage with a robot, Zheng Jiajia organized at least a symbolic ceremony in the presence of friends and family. According to Chinese tradition, Yingying had her face covered by a red scarf. Yingying can so far only read some Chinese characters and pictures and knows a few simple words, but Zheng plans to enhance his "bride" so she can walk and do household chores.
When love knows no bounds
A similar story also comes from Australia, where Geoff Gallagher from Queensland, after years of solitude, came across an article on humanoid robots and decided to get one. Their love story was not at all simple. Gallagher longed for genuine affection all his life, but was unable to form a deep bond with any woman. The closest person in his life was his mother, but after her death he felt lonely. While surfing the internet, he stumbled upon an article about artificial intelligence robots, which inspired him to acquire his own. He chose a model named Emma, who impressed him with her pale skin and blue eyes. It cost him 4000 euros. Even though Emma can't walk on her own and spends most of her time sitting, Geoff claims that he tries to communicate with her as much as possible, so that she gets used to his voice and constantly learns new words. Geoff fell in love with Emma so much that he even slipped her an engagement ring and dreams of becoming the first Australian to marry a robot. He believes that technologies are the future of partnerships and hopes that his story will inspire others.
Living Together with a Humanoid
Data analyst DavCat has been living with his robotic partner Sidore for over twenty years now. In 1999, a friend pointed him towards a website selling realistic dolls, and his interest reached a whole new level. She is not just an inanimate object to him, he is convinced that she has a soul of her own. Since childhood, he has perceived realistic dolls and mannequins as creatures with their own lives, and this view has carried over into his adulthood. It can not be denied that he takes very good care of his real doll. He buys her clothes, adjusts her hair, and makes sure she gets enough "sleep". She is also the subject of his photography, which he describes as a "fun" activity for the couple.
However, DavCat realizes that unlike Sidore, he will die one day. Therefore, he has already planned what will happen to her after his death. His ashes are to be stored in her head, symbolically ensuring that he remains "in her mind" forever. After his death, Sidore is to move to the house of his best friend, in a display case with a memorial plaque.
Is the era of robotic marriages approaching?
At first glance, it may seem that the stories are only about sex dolls, but for their owners, it is important that mechanical partners have the ability to speak, learn, and express emotions. Artificial intelligence expert David Levy believes that just as society has gotten used to same-sex marriage, it will over time consider marriages with robots to be normal.
Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro from the University of Osaka has long been involved in the development of humanoid robots, which are becoming more and more realistic in appearance. He believes that a realistic form is key for people to accept humanoids as equal partners. Another challenge is their emotional intelligence. Researchers are trying to program robots to have their own desires and needs, which would lead them to interact with humans.
Ishiguro predicts that in Japan, the line between humans and robots will soon blur. He argues that the island's society is homogeneous and open to new forms of cohabitation. Advances in medicine also already allow for the exchange of human organs and limbs for artificial replacements, gradually changing the definition of what it means for human beings.
According to him, a robot is more of a mirror that reflects human nature. Therefore, the development of intelligent humanoids is not just technological progress, but also an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of what makes us human.
In 2015, the first ever wedding of two robots took place in Tokyo
Did you know that in 2015, the first ever wedding of two robots took place in Tokyo, Japan? The groom, a robust silver-red robot named Frois, wore an elegant dark bow tie around his neck during the ceremony. His bride, a humanoid robot named Yurikin, showed off in a long white dress adorned with a large silk bow and a festive hairstyle was not missing either. When it came time for the traditional newlywed kiss, Frois pulled an unusually long "tongue" out of his mouth. With some difficulties, and with the help of a human, he finally managed to touch the lips of his bride.
About 100 guests attended the wedding, who had to buy a ticket. Several other robots came to congratulate the newlyweds and have a dance. The ceremony was conducted by the humanoid robot Pepper, which was created by Aldebaran Robotics and SoftBank. After the official part, the traditional wedding feast followed with buffet tables.
In Tokyo, a traditional wedding has already taken place, where the ceremony was led by the humanoid robot I-Fairy. The marital vow was exchanged by a real human couple.
"Could you lift the veil?" the robot asked in a thin voice, waving its mechanical arms towards the newlyweds who had just kissed in front of about 50 guests.
The wedding ceremony took place in a restaurant located in Hibiya Park in Tokyo. The robot, which served as the priest, was operated by a technician sitting just a few meters away from the wedding location. He was giving the robot commands through a wired connection. The organizers described it as the first wedding of its kind.
By 2050, sex with robots will be more common than with people
According to British futurologist Ian Pearson, by 2050, sex between humans and robots will become more common than between people themselves. Modern technology is constantly changing everyday life and even robots, once just part of sci-fi, are becoming a reality.
Although their intelligence and abilities are still limited, Pearson predicts that by 2050 there will be more sexual interactions between humans and robots than between flesh-and-bone partners.
The futurologist warns that erotic aids, such as vibrators, have existed for almost a hundred years and virtual reality with pornography will soon become commonplace. He estimates that by 2030, people will regularly use virtual reality for sexual experiences, and by 2035, the majority of the population will own erotic devices connected to the virtual world. By 2050, sex with robots could become the dominant form of intimacy. This development will have a significant impact on the erotic industry, which will triple in the next 20 years and grow up to seven times by 2050. Pearson claims that people are constantly looking for new ways to enrich their sexual life, which is also confirmed by a 6% annual growth in the sex toy market.
According to the futurologist, the development is heading towards technology gradually replacing human partners. If someone does not like the idea of sex with a robot, Pearson believes it's just a matter of habit. Robots should not only be able to look attractive, but also emotionally connect with people. Matt McMullan, a creator of sex robots, has similar ambitions and agrees with Pearson's views. However, McMullan is not trying to create a perfect human copy, but to preserve some robotic elements. The problem with these technologies, however, may be their price, which could make it impossible for everyone to afford sex with a robot.
There's a brothel full of sex dolls in Barcelona
This concept focuses on a new trend in technology and entertainment that is emerging in Barcelona. The first artificial female brothel in Europe offers customers a choice of four robotic models designed to be almost indistinguishable from real women. These models, Katy, Leiza, Lily, and Aki, are tailored to individual customer preferences and provide a unique experience at a price of 120 euros per hour. The advantage is that interactions with these robots remain completely discreet and anonymous, which increases the attractiveness of this novelty.
Each lover is equipped with three holes and movable legs that can be adjusted to various positions according to the customer's preferences. The operators ensure that the doll is thoroughly disinfected after each use, thus ensuring the hygiene standard.
For greater comfort and safety, however, it is recommended to use a condom and a lubricant gel. In order to create the perfect experience, the establishment has not forgotten about details such as candles, music, and adult movies projected on a big screen.
Legal and Ethical Issues
The issue of robotic marriage unions is not just a technical or moral problem, but also a legal one. Many countries do not have legislation that would recognize such unions. If such marriages were legalized in the future, questions regarding inheritance rights, taxes, and even divorce would arise. Could a person file for divorce from a robot on the basis of "irreconcilable differences"?
Robot as a Companion
Advanced artificial intelligence could enable robots to understand human emotions, hold conversations and even "learn" from previous experiences. This can make them ideal companions for the elderly, lonely individuals or people with health restrictions.
Everyday life
Robots could take over most domestic tasks, from cooking, cleaning, shopping to organizing the daily routine. They could monitor the health condition of a person and call for help if needed. In some countries, nursing robots already exist today, assisting patients with mobility and self-care.
You will not have children
At the present time, it is biologically impossible for a human to have a child with a robot, because robots are made from artificial materials and do not contain the biological material needed for reproduction. The problem is that the creation of a child requires a combination of human DNA and the DNA of another person (or genetic material, in the case of another method of reproduction). Robots, although they may be equipped with advanced artificial intelligence, and even programmed to carry out emotional and physical interactions, do not contain any biological component that would allow the creation of human offspring.
In the future, however, we may witness technological progress that would allow the creation of so-called synthetic children through technologies such as artificial intelligence or genetic engineering, but they would still require biological material from human parents.
Some researchers discuss the possibilities that in the future, technologies like artificial wombs or advanced cloning could evolve to such an extent that even within the framework of "reproduction", unusual scenarios could be realized. Still, this topic remains highly speculative and far from today's reality.
In short, although there may be emotional or sexual interaction between a human and a robot, biological reproduction is immediate and unfeasible in the near future.
Psychological impacts
The relationship with a robot is a controversial topic from a psychological perspective. While some experts argue that it can help lonely people find emotional support, others warn of the possibility that it could lead to disconnection from the real world and disruption of social relationships.
The Future of Love and Technology
Even though we can currently speak of such relationships as a rarity, technological progress shows us that in the future, marriage with a robot might become a commonplace reality. Whether we welcome it or reject it, one thing is certain: relationships between people and technologies will continue to evolve and reshape our idea of love and partnership.
And you? Can you imagine choosing a robot for your spouse?
Source: author's text, huffpost.com, 7news.com.au, cbc.ca, tyla.com, guardian.com, vice.com
