The EU guidelines on ethics of robots and sex robots

Abstract

The rapid advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) give rise to a spectrum of applications that range from autonomous vehicles to healthcare assistance. In this transformative landscape, the integration of robots into human lives has sparked profound ethical inquiries, inviting critical reflections on the implications of these technologies for societies. Of particular interest is the emergence of a controversial category of robots known as “sex robots”, which simulate intimate relationships and interactions with users. This scientific article reviews key documents on the Ethics of AI and deals with the topic of the ethical dimensions surrounding the development, deployment, and use of robots, specifically focusing on the intriguing and complex realm of sex robots within the European Union (EU).