Sex Robots and the AI Act: Opening the Regulatory Discussion

The emergence of sex robots—human-like machines offering sexual and emotional services—has ignited contentious debates over their societal impact. Advocates glorify their potential to provide companionship, meet sexual needs, and diversify intimate experiences, while critics warn of risks, including the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes, hindered human connections, and threats to data protection. Against this backdrop, questions arise about the adequacy of existing regulations to address the societal implications of these novel human–robot interactions. Considering these questions and societal implications, this article examines the regulatory challenges surrounding sex robots, specifically exploring their potential inclusion under the AI Act (AIA). As a landmark legislative framework, the AIA establishes minimum standards for developing and deploying artificial intelligence (AI) systems across the European Union (EU), emphasizing their trustworthiness and alignment with fundamental rights. Although sex robots are not explicitly referenced in the AIA, their AI functionalities could position them within multiple risk categories defined by the AIA, each with distinct legal obligations. By analyzing these legal classifications and the corresponding obligations for manufacturers, this article lays the groundwork for an initial regulatory framework to oversee sex robots, ensuring their safe integration into society.