A bioethicist has made the argument for sex robots. Photo / GettyA US bioethicist has said "sex robots" could be used to maintain and restore "human dignity" for older people with disabilities, but they'll need some design tweaks. University of Washington philosophy adjunct professor Nancy Jecker said "ageist" opinions about older people and their sexuality has led to the design of sex robots targeting younger, able-bodied people, but older people, particularly with disabilities, could benefit more from the technology. "Robots designed to integrate with ... older users may bear little resemblance to contemporary sex robots that dominate film and television shows," Jecker said, but argued "society ought to make reasonable efforts to ensure access to sex robots for older adults with disabilities that impair sexual functioning". She said "sex robots will need to engage older users romantically and affectionately, as well as sexually" pointing to depictions of older people's love as based in things like "talking and sharing, hand-holding and moments of tenderness".

Source: New Zealand Herald November 19, 2020 19:29 UTC