The spread of innovation often begins with erotic and grotesque content. It seems likely that erotic and grotesque content will also play a role in the spread of AI and robotics. Signs of this were evident at CES. It seems likely that AI and robots will also evolve in ways that satisfy the three basic human needs.

ＡＩ搭載コンパニオンドール「Ｅｍｉｌｙ」のデモ（Emily）

The spread of innovation often begins with the emergence of erotic and grotesque content. This is the so-called erotic and grotesque myth, but it seems likely that erotic and grotesque content will also play a role in the spread of AI and robotics. Signs of this were evident at CES.

A huge crowd had gathered around a relatively small booth tucked away in a corner of the CES venue. It was the booth of LOVENSE, a Singapore-based adult goods company.
The company’s life-size AI-equipped companion doll, “Emily,” made its debut on the spot.

Emily has a silicone body, a movable internal skeleton, and behaves like a human, changing facial expressions. It’s a true humanoid that combines AI and robotics. It remembers the details of past conversations and, over time, develops a communication style tailored to the user. It can also be developed to suit the user’s preferences.

The battery life is up to eight hours. Remote chatting is also possible through a dedicated app.

“Emily is more like an intimate companion than an adult toy. We’re promoting her as a long-term partner,” explained a booth staff member. “Emily also opens up new horizons in sex and technology. She can help alleviate loneliness, especially for those struggling with it. We hope everyone will accept her without prejudice.”

Incidentally, the American senior citizens organization AARP had a booth called AgeTech Collaborative right next to LOVENSE.
AgeTech refers to technologies that solve the challenges of an aging society and improve the quality of life for the elderly.
At the AARP booth, they showcased how AI and robots will revolutionize the future of aging. Specifically, they envisioned a future in which technology supports the elderly’s independence and social connections, allowing them to live active lives.
Loneliness and isolation are the leading issues facing the elderly, both in the East and the West. As the aging population continues, the number of seniors suffering from loneliness and isolation is expected to increase, making countermeasures urgently needed. Given this, it’s hard to deny the possibility that humanoids will become commonplace as long-term companions in old age. While they may be considered erotic and grotesque today, in the future, beings like Emily may become a permanent part of our lives.
Humanoids are certainly different from humans. That sense of incongruity is likely to remain. Being different also means they won’t intentionally deceive or betray their partners, making them ideal long-term companions for a smooth retirement. Considering this, it seems likely that the area in which humanoids will be most active is age tech.
The three basic human needs are said to be “sleep,” “appetite,” and “sexual desire.” If these three are satisfied, it is safe to say that we are happy for the time being.
It is likely that cutting-edge innovations such as AI, digital technology, and robots will ultimately evolve in the direction of satisfying the three basic human needs, or increasing satisfaction. With the global aging population as a backdrop, this trend will become even clearer. (Kei Kitajima)

※Translating Japanese articles into English with AI