Representative image.
Throughout human history, the pursuit of sexual pleasure has remained a constant, driving innovation in unexpected ways. From ancient stone artifacts to modern AI-powered devices, sex technology has evolved dramatically, reflecting and shaping societal attitudes toward intimacy and relationships.
These advancements have transformed our understanding of sexuality, raising important ethical questions, and potentially redefining human connections in the digital age.
The desire for sexual pleasure and intimacy has led to the creation of various tools and devices since ancient times.
In ancient Greece and Rome, early sexual aids known as olisbos were crafted from materials like leather and wood. These rudimentary devices mark the beginning of a long history of sexual innovation.
By the late 19th century, the first vibrators emerged, initially as medical devices to treat “hysteria” in women. The sexual revolution of the 20th century brought about a more open attitude towards sexuality and sex toys. This period saw many designs, materials, and functionalities in sex tech products.
Opened in 1997, the Erotic Museum of Barcelona (Museu de l’Eròtica) offers a journey through the history of sex and eroticism. With over 800 artifacts, it showcases various sex machines and provides a timeline of vibrator development, offering visitors a tangible connection to the history of sex technology.
Different periods have left traces of human passion and interest in sexuality through various forms of art.
For instance, during the Belle Époque, there was a fascination with technological innovation and human sexuality, reflected in artists’ works, dance, ballet, and photography. Even in ancient times, literature reflected interest in sex technology.
“Sex tech is very old, in a sense—a poem by Herondas (or Herodas) from the 3rd c. BCE represents two women discussing a dildo that one of them has purchased and speaking enthusiastically about its construction and the sensations it produces. One suggests that it is superior to a “real” man. Now, the poem may be meant to be humorous. Still, it does suggest women deriving erotic pleasure from ancient “sex tech’,” Professor Kirk Ormand, a professor in the Classics department at Oberlin College, Ohio, told Interesting Engineering. His research specialties include sexuality in the ancient world and archaic Greek poetry.
According to a research report published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the size of the global sex toys market is expected to reach more than USD 70 billion by 2030.
A survey conducted in the United States in 2022 showed that about 163 million Americans over the age of 18 own sex toys. The most commonly used type of sex toy in the United States was a vibrator (e.g., remote, finger massager). The number of Sextech devices will increase in the next few years, reaching 118 million by 2025.
A recent study highlighted the scarcity of data on sex toy ownership, usage rates, and their effects.
The research emphasized that ownership and use of sex toys are not always directly correlated, noting that “One can own a sex toy without using it or use it without owning it.” Despite limited research, the study found that individuals generally report positive outcomes from sex toy use, including enhanced partner bonding.
However, more comprehensive studies are needed to fully understand the impacts of sex toy use on sexual experiences and relationships.
Professor João Florêncio, who specializes in Gender Studies at Linköping University, focuses on the intersection of the human body, media technologies, and sexuality in modern society.
According to Florêncio, technological advancements have consistently played a crucial role in shaping human relationships, both sexual and platonic, throughout history. His work explores how these technological influences continue to evolve and impact contemporary social and intimate interactions.
“We are technological creatures and even our sex lives have always been deeply technological. What we are witnessing today is perhaps a faster pace of technological transformation and thus a faster transformation of our intimate lives. While I have no fortunetelling powers, it looks like we are seeing exponential growth in sex technologies that center sex in the individual (that individualize sex) and present it as part of one’s personal fulfillment, well-being, and autonomy,” he said.
When it comes to developments in AI research, the two things that come to his mind are research into so-called “sex robots” and AI-generated pornography, including deep-fake porn.
“Sex robots in particular also have the potential to make us understand our bodies and sexual pleasure differently. However, just like AI porn, they raise important ethical questions,” said Florêncio.
“What will happen to sex cultures and sexual sociability when sex becomes extremely individualized? What are the ethics of consent in those scenarios? What does it mean to have sexual contact with a machine programmed in a certain way by someone else? What can sex robots afford and what can they not replace? And who can afford them? What we see from this is that technology has always been infrastructural to how we live sex and intimacy,” he continued.
Florêncio argues that examining the sexual history of technology reveals its political nature and world-changing impact. He noted, “Sexual technology responds to and shapes our particular social and sexual conjuncture.”
For Matthias Smetana, a sex tech entrepreneur, and artificial intelligence specialist, advancements in sexual technology, particularly through AI, robotics, and AR/VR, are transforming our understanding of intimacy and connection.
He told IE that tools like sex dolls and tactile interfaces allow individuals to experience a physical connection with these characters.
While this might be viewed differently depending on personal perspectives, it’s clear that many people seek intimate and emotional connections with these virtual entities.
According to him, younger generations growing up in a digitally driven world have seen communication shift from traditional face-to-face interactions to digital text and voice messages, indicating a broader transformation in how relationships and intimacy are perceived.
“As these changes unfold, we must address emerging socio-economic issues and recognize that technology can play a crucial role in redefining sexuality and intimacy. Future advancements in robotics and AI, including developments in artificial skin, could lead to more lifelike sexual companion,” he said.
At Cybrothel, his efforts are underway to create the world’s first sex-positive AI with ethics and a deep understanding of love, although defining “love” remains a complex, individual experience.
“In my opinion, it’s highly important to research this topic as the major companies are ignoring it completely and banning any love or sexual interaction with AI,” he said. Balancing technology and physical experiences is another intricate aspect of his work.
“Personally, it’s challenging to avoid bias in coding or product development,” he said.
To navigate these challenges, Smetana assembles diverse teams to explore the ethical implications and boundaries of sex AI and VR games.
However, recruiting informed and willing participants for these discussions proves challenging. Nonetheless, he remains dedicated to the ethical and responsible advancement of sex tech. Smetana recognizes the importance of balancing technological innovation with preserving meaningful physical experiences.
Smetana draws inspiration from the evolving discourse on sexual liberation, gender fluidity, and relationship dynamics. “This movement towards inclusivity motivates me to innovate in sexual technology,” he explains.
He emphasizes the crucial role of science in his work. “Science drives progress. As a developer, I rely heavily on scientists to review and critique my projects.” Smetana likens the developer-scientist relationship to a dance, where partners alternate leading roles. “It’s most effective when technical innovation and scientific rigor are in sync, advancing sexual technology meaningfully,” he concludes.
The global pandemic has reshaped numerous aspects of daily life, with the sex tech industry experiencing an unforeseen boom. A McKinsey report highlights how Covid-19 accelerated digitization across various sectors, including the intimate products market.
As lockdowns forced couples apart and left singles isolated, many turned to sex toys for comfort and exploration. Industry experts attribute this surge to increased free time and physical separation from partners.
Ireland serves as a striking example of this trend. During the coronavirus lockdown, the country saw a staggering 177 percent increase in sex toy sales compared to the previous year.
This dramatic spike underscores how the pandemic has changed work and social habits and influenced intimate behaviors and consumer choices in the bedroom.
A 2021 study has revealed significant impacts of Covid-19 lockdowns on sexual behavior, prompting experts to consider the role of technology in intimate relationships.
Dr. Emmanuele A. Jannini, Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology at the Department of Systems Medicine suggests that haptic devices could revolutionize long-distance intimacy. “These innovations could enable sexual stimulation at a distance, with particular benefits for mentally and physically disabled individuals,” Dr. Jannini explains.
Addressing concerns about technology reducing intimacy, Dr. Jannini offered a nuanced view: “Online activities serve as a substitute for some, but enhance experiences for others. The impact on intimacy isn’t clear-cut.”
The rise of sex tech also raises intriguing questions about physiological responses. “We know testosterone increases during satisfying sexual intercourse but not during masturbation,” Dr. Jannini noted. “The emotional and relational aspects likely play a crucial role.”
As for whether device-assisted orgasms affect the brain differently than those achieved through in-person encounters, Dr. Jannini admitted this is uncharted territory. “Will the experience be the same with a futuristic, AI-driven sexual device? That’s a question for future research,” he concludes, highlighting the need for continued study in this rapidly evolving field.
Sexual technology is advancing rapidly, with engineering improving device safety and efficiency. While medical progress aims to address sexual health issues, experts note that technology isn’t a cure-all for intimacy.
Sarah Rippert, director of Barcelona’s Erotic Museum, provided historical context to IE: “In matters of sexuality, everything has always existed. Nothing is truly new, just more popular in certain eras.”
This perspective highlights a key point: as sex tech evolves, it continues to be driven by timeless human desires and scientific innovation.
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Maria Bolevich Maria Bolevich graduated from Medical High School and Faculty of Metallurgy and Technology, Department of Environmental protection. She is an environmental protection engineer, and she wrote her first scientific article as a student in 2009 which triggered her passion for science journalism. As a science, health, and environmental journalist she has been collaborating with many international media, including Nature, SciDev… She is a recipient of a number of noteworthy awards in her field of expertise.
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