Not Born but Made: Feminist Perspectives on Sex Robot Regulation
This academic paper examines the ethical, social, and legal implications of sex robots through a feminist phenomenological lens. It evaluates the gendered nature of current sex robot production, which predominantly imitates idealized female forms, and questions the suitability of an outright ban. Instead, the paper explores how flexible regulatory instruments, such as soft law mechanisms and design guidelines under the EU AI Act, can address potential risks while encouraging diverse and non-binary design solutions.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
Researchers, policymakers, and legal scholars interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics, regulation, and feminist philosophy.
What the document contains
The paper examines the production of humanoid sex robots, analyzes their phenomenological impact on human subjectivity and interpersonal relationships, and assesses how existing legal frameworks like the EU AI Act and soft law instruments can regulate them.
The text does not provide binding statutory rules, specific legislative text amendments, or enforceable enforcement mechanisms directly targeting sex robots.
- Current sex robots are predominantly produced as hyper-sexualized female bodies that reinforce patriarchal stereotypes and gender inequality.
- An outright ban on sex robots is rejected as an ineffective approach that disregards sexual freedom and the potential benefits of the technology.
- The EU AI Act provides a risk-based framework where conventional sex robots fall largely into minimal risk, leaving them subject to voluntary soft law instruments.
- Soft law mechanisms, such as codes of conduct and design guidelines, can promote diverse representation and clear communications of consent.
- Re-imagining sex robots beyond the human form and expanding their target user base can help subvert binary gender norms and foster healthy intimate futures.
1 Introduction 2 Gendered Technology of Sex Robots 3 Sex Robots as 'Creating' Women Upon a False Account 4 The Future of Human Relations 5 Role of Law 6 'Re-programming' the Sex Robot 7 Conclusion
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Fairness
3/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
Thus, section three contextualises the current production of this technology within the female experience in a patriarchal Western society and how women relate to their bodies in it.
1 Introduction
screening score · 2026-10-24
Human Dignity
3/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
Framing the discussion towards sex care to promote human dignity raises the importance of distinct privacy interests.
6 ‘Re-programming’ the Sex Robot
screening score · 2026-10-24
Privacy
3/5Protection of personal data and private life
The intimate and sexual relationship between a robot and its owner is never monogamous, as it involves other ‘invisible’ parties that produce, store, and process the data that makes the relationship possible.
6 ‘Re-programming’ the Sex Robot
screening score · 2026-10-24
Transparency
2/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
The next risk category under the AI risk is the limited risk systems, which are subject to transparency obligations under Art. 50.
5.1 Sex Robots Within the AI Act
screening score · 2026-10-24
Impact Assessment
3/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
In the context of sex robots, it is theorised by scholars that their intended use can pose risks of social isolation, and undermine gender equality, mainly by further objectification of women
5.2 Soft Law Instruments To Guide Market Responses
screening score · 2026-10-24