Could Westworld-like robots of the future be a solution for loneliness?

If robots like the ones in Westworld were real, could they substitute or replace relationships and solve loneliness altogether by providing companionship in a technological future not so far away?

Throughout the Westworld series, we have seen examples of artificial intelligence robots or ‘hosts’, that are designed to be almost identical in every way to us humans. They are capable of forming complex and meaningful relationships with guests as they visit the park to fulfill their emotional and physical needs–through cathartic experiences of their deepest sexual fantasies, and most violent desires.

Of course, Westworld hosts are played by talented human actors, but developments in A.I. and Robotics are advancing rapidly in the real world. And although we won’t be able to create a robot like the hosts anytime soon, tech companies are already creating software to try to mimic a human, such as Google Assistant.

This is a software program that phoned a hair salon, interacted with a human and managed to secure an appointment with the person, who had no idea she was interacting with a computer. There are also examples of robots such as those made by Boston Dynamics that can open doors, jump and even do somersaults.

As tech companies build better and more sophisticated robots, it is plausible that they will one day create a version that is so close to appearing human-like, some people may decide to ditch human-to-human relationships altogether.

Perhaps, replacing them with human-to-robot partners instead. This may seem like a crazy notion, but there is mounting evidence to suggest that large swaths of society are shifting to a more reclusive lifestyle, with less human contact and interaction than ever before.

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Although people are now living a more ‘connected’ lifestyle thanks to the internet, technology, and social media, people across the world are also becoming more isolated, less happy with their lives and more depressed.

In Japan, for example, there is a growing trend of ‘Hikikomori which is a complete withdrawal from society among the young and some older people.

In the UK, a government initiative called the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness has been set up by the British government, to address the growing number of citizens that find themselves living on their own and in isolation, which is now become a global epidemic.

Technology has not necessarily made it easier to find an ideal partner, and dating apps, websites and other forms of modern-day methods to attract a mate are resulting in more non-committal casual dating and sex rather than long-term, meaningful relationships.

Thus, making it harder for those looking for love which may explain why there are increasingly more single people living without a companion that they can share common interests with.

Even when they do find their ideal partner and marry, many relationships seem to end in failure–case in point,  the global divorce rates are anywhere between 40-60% in the northern hemisphere.

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As human relationships are shifting and society is becoming more isolated, the sex toy industry is responding by producing sex toys dolls that fill the void of intimacy and companionship. These are made from artificial intelligence and robotics, and the industry is eager to offer their products to anyone who is lonely.

Naturally, this offer to fill the void of a lonely heart also extends to those who have given up on finding ‘Mr. or Ms. Right’ after years of trawling a plethora of online dating apps, websites and speed-dating events, and who are now resigned to the prospect of growing alone.

Such dolls are proving to be surprisingly popular, despite the cost of these dolls being anything from $2,000-15,000 and they look more and more realistic every year!

The dolls are designed for both men or women, with interchangeable heads and ‘certain appendages’ and they even come with their own clothes and make-up. In time, these type of dolls will become advanced AI robots, just like Dolores, or Hector in Westworld.

Granted, sex toys have been around for ages and they have served to enhance the sexual experience between two people, not separate them. However, while relationships may have improved with the addition of sex toys, the difference with the latest robotic sex dolls is that they will become more human-like, and at that point, perhaps people might end up choosing them, rather than a human partner to share their lives with.

Just imagine having your very own Dolores, Clementine, Maeve, Hector or Teddy, (or all of them!), who is always there for you when you get home, asks about your day, and won’t choose their friends or family over you, or totally ignore you when a favourite sports team is playing.

Someone you can snuggle up to at any time, who will whisper sweet nothings into your ear as it makes love to you – because it learned exactly what you want to hear and knows all your sexual preferences to boot! This robot would never dream of flirting or sexting with an ex, and also comes with ‘no strings attached’ in the sense that there are never any dramas, arguments or fights, and is low-maintenance.

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At some point in time, we may well see robots that are hyper-realistic and will be just as capable in every area of cognitive functions as their human counterparts. Maybe having an intimate relationship with a human being might even become a thing of the past, something that was “so Generation Millennial”.

You may think that there is no way that an automated doll could replace or achieve any level of human contact or intimacy, but if you do a search for robot sex dolls you will be surprised at how far they have progressed these days. It appears having a robot partner or a sex doll today no longer seems to be a taboo subject.

As each year goes by, the dolls will become more and more realistic and human-like, with better AI software and with more fluid movement, and this might result in people being more open to the idea of having a robotic partner instead of a human. After all, “If you can’t tell the difference, does it really matter?”

What are your thoughts on robots replacing humans in this context? Share your comments below!

Westworld airs every Sunday at 9 PM EST on HBO!