University expert calls for ban on 'sex robots'

Robots could serve a number of purposes as technology advances, with some experts predicting many will be designed for sexual pleasure. Credit: PA

An academic at De Montfort University in Leicester has warned that the future development of 'sex robots' should be banned.

Robot Ethicist, Dr Kathleen Richardson has launched a campaign to warn people about the possible impact on human attitudes to relationships.

Sex dolls already on the market are becoming more sophisticated and some companies are now hoping to build artificial intelligence into their products.

Those working in the field say that there is a need for such robots.

However, Dr Richardson, who is based at the Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility at DMU, says they reinforce traditional stereotypes of women and the view that a relationship need be nothing more than physical.