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AI is a growing concern for many of us, with fears that it might replace jobs across different industries. It seems even the oldest profession is not immune to this shift. In the latest development in sex work, prostitutes are being replaced by ‘intergalactic pleasure dolls,’ which are equipped with flexible limbs, a golden heart, and an openness to almost anything.
These dolls even skip the usual condom requirement.
The Rise of Sex Robots
Sex robots were once the stuff of science fiction, featured in films like Blade Runner, Ex Machina, and Subservience starring Megan Fox. But as silicone dolls have become more realistic, they are increasingly seen as a less complicated, viable alternative to human sex work.
In their new book Sex Work Today, authors Bernadette Barton, Barbara G. Brents, and Angela Jones highlight the creation of the world’s first AI sex worker, designed to fulfill every desire while also teaching clients about consent.
Meet Kokeshi, the AI prostitute working at the Cybrothel in Berlin. She’s marketed as having a taste of peaches and a scent like summer rain. With facial piercings and an impressive collection of bondage gear, her goal is to spread “pleasure consciousness” in a guilt-free setting.
Kokeshi isn’t alone. She shares the space with other dolls, including Paris, a “hyperfeminine girl next door”; Guy Rider, a sultry bisexual male doll; Mistress Oxana, a German dominatrix; and soon, Hito, a manga-inspired pixie doll with pointy ears, along with a blue-skinned alien doll.
Kokeshi’s Unique Design
When clients enter the room, Kokeshi can be seen basking under a heater to warm her silicone skin. She’s dressed in a curly blue wig, a plastic skirt, and her galactic blue eyes are focused on a bowl of condoms hanging above the bed.
What sets Kokeshi apart from other sex doll brothels is her owner, Alexis Smiley Smith, who has designed Kokeshi to have “a real personality.” Kokeshi interacts with clients through strategically placed cameras and microphones, offering what Smith refers to as an “analog AI” experience.
Smith, who is a former escort, shares that her offsite room is packed with outdated equipment from the early 1990s, including a small table, monitors, a headset, and a laptop. The whole setup may look retro, but it serves its purpose.
Consent and Connection in the Digital Age
Smith explains that she initially feared her clients would be the stereotypical “incel-type men” coming to her for creepy encounters. However, she took a different approach by designing Kokeshi with feminist values and a mission to promote consent.
Kokeshi’s interactions are built around a clear emphasis on consent. Smith says she often takes charge by instructing clients to undress, sit next to Kokeshi, or touch her arms and collarbone. She emphasizes that “lube is important” and uses phrases like “Yes, you can touch me there, thank you for asking.” The goal is to reward consent and reinforce its importance even in this context. Smith adds, “Yes, I simulate orgasms, moan, and say names. After all, this is sex work.”
The AI experience has attracted clients who may feel too shy to explore their fantasies with human partners. Smith recalls one couple where the wife wanted to explore a threesome, but the husband was hesitant. By using Kokeshi’s voice, Smith helped ease the tension, allowing the couple to enjoy the experience without pressure.
Smith reflects, “As a sex worker, I don’t just sell sex—I sell connection.” Whether it’s sharing a laugh over a champagne cork hitting the ceiling or engaging in meaningful conversation, she believes emotional connection is key.
The Future of AI and Sex Work
Scholars predict that by 2045, one in ten young adults may have had a sexual encounter with a humanoid robot. While the future role of doll brothels in the sex tech world is uncertain, one thing is clear: human connection will always be in demand.
Despite the rise of sex dolls, Smith remains confident that they won’t replace human sex workers. She points out, “There’s something about spontaneous human connection that people crave, maybe even more than sex itself.” While dolls can maintain any sexual position, it’s the human element that encourages exploration and connection.
“Dolls will never replace human sex workers,” Smith says. “The real question is, where will their place be?”
