Queering Sex Robots Beyond Diversifying Design? Insights from Queer Lacanian Psychoanalysis and New Materialism

Abstract

Contemporary humanoid sex robots have been rightfully criticized for their heteronormative and misogynistic design. In this article, we aim to explore the diverse possibilities of queering sex robots. While previous research on queering sex robots has predominantly suggested making humanoid sex robots more diverse by offering more options in terms of the designed gender, age, skin color, body shape, etc. of the robot, our aim is to think the question of queering sex robots beyond diversifying humanoid design options alone. To do this, we present two theories in tandem — Queer Lacanian Psychoanalysis and New Materialism — to approach this possibility. Our paper, therefore, accomplishes two things: first, we provide philosophical and ethical foundations for queering sex robots based on Queer Lacanian Psychoanalysis and New Materialism. Second, we derive implications from these insights on how sex robots can be queered beyond multiplying humanoid design options.