Robots have been a pillar in science fiction for decades, a cornerstone for futuristic fantasy and technolust. We have finally reached the moment when science fiction becomes science fact, with robotics becoming commercialized at an all-time high rate for widespread industrial and consumer use. And now, robots are even being developed for sexual functions, which could replace human romantic partners altogether for a percentage of the population.

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In this PART 2 of a four-part series we call “SEX MACHINA”, we’re going to continue our foray (read: not foreplay) into the world of sexbots and explore the brains behind the bots - AI.

Does AI exhibit consciousness?  Can we upload our minds to a computer? Can robots help increase empathy?

We’ll draw upon sci-fi films including Ex Machina, Blade Runner, and 2001: A Space Odyssey, as well as IRL case studies such as Google’s AlphaGo and the Turing Test to help us determine whether this new tech innovation represents a new hope for humanity, or signals the dawn of the end of times.