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Robot prostitutes could tempt future tourists
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
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It sounds like science fiction, but robot bar staff, hotel rooms that change colour, cruise ships as big as aircraft carriers and even robot sex are part of the future for travellers, a tourism conference has been told.
Tourism futurologist Ian Yeoman, from Victoria University, gave a preview of what the world could be like in 2050, shaped by global warming, an older population, food, water and jet fuel supply problems and technological advances.
Dr Yeoman said the future may see a more controlled society with a return to mass tourism spawning a range of new indoor tourism products. Indoor artificial ski centres, circuses, zoos, golf courses and recreated landscapes, as well as giant cruise ships, could be among the new attractions. As costs for basics such as electricity and food increased, tourism operators could turn to robots as cheap labour.
Robot waiters at bars, remote-controlled camera-carrying guard dogs in hotel lobbies and self-cleaning hotel rooms were all likely.
"Robotics will become important, because you're going to have labour shortages in the future," he said. "You'll have some sort of interaction in terms of robots doing certain types of mundane activities."
Even robot "prostitutes" that would not pass on diseases such as HIV could make an appearance, he said.
"But you're talking about extreme futures."
Dr Yeoman said technology would also revolutionise hotel bedrooms, with beds that sensed a guest's comfort needs and chemical wallpaper that could change colour to suit a guest's mood.
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What's the difference between a robo-ho and a "reactive" sex doll? Prostitution to me implies the robot has intelligence and some form of choice in the matter - either voluntary or coerced. I think there's a long way to go before that happens, and when it does I think we'll be more concerned about avoiding that whole Terminator/Forbin Project scenario.
Posted by Ryan | 26.08.09, 01:00 GMT
Can't believe the Tele allowed some of the comments below.
Posted by Aaron | 19.08.09, 11:07 GMT
Already invented long time ago. Were called Furbies.
Posted by Alien | 19.08.09, 07:13 GMT
At least 'she' wouldn't nag about leaving the toilet seat up. Bring it on.
Posted by Barry | 19.08.09, 04:30 GMT
I was getting tired of my car's exhaust.
Posted by Red Ditts | 19.08.09, 04:16 GMT
Lisa A Williams why is a robot sex doll repulsive to you? Who is hurt by this? Isn't it better that sexually-charged men have a safe and harmless outlet for their feelings? Also. who said anything about 'quickies'? Perhaps users might want a few hours with one a robo-hooker. I don't understand your criticism unless you find all things related to sex repulsive. What do you mean try for the real thing and keep to the one? Would you call this cheating? Ahaha. I guess you would. Does a woman using a toy when her bloke is away also count as cheating then? If not why not? Come on Lisa - wise up.
Posted by Timmy Mallet, Descendant of Adam and Eve | 19.08.09, 02:23 GMT
Yeah forget tall ships this is what Belfast City Council should be looking to bring to the city in 2015. Robot hookers. Game on.
Posted by Alf | 18.08.09, 17:56 GMT
I'm sorry I think it sad that men find pleasure in 'quickies', why not try for the real thing for once and keep to the 'one', but that's just slightly too romantic for men hey?
A robot sex doll is just repulsive
Posted by Lisa A Williams Descendant of Captain Cook | 18.08.09, 15:35 GMT
Its sounds like science fiction because it is
Posted by GDW | 18.08.09, 15:13 GMT