How sex robots could be hacked to MURDER you in Terminator-style executions
Expert Dr Nick Patterson warned that hackers could gain control of the robot’s motor functions in the near future
SEX robots could be taken over by hackers who could use them to blackmail randy users or even commit Terminator-style murder, experts have warned.
So-called love dolls are growing in popularity and feature “smart” technology which is increasingly sophisticated.
But while the demand for robots continues unabated, modern cybersecurity has not kept pace, experts have warned.
As a result, hackers could corrupt the vulnerable dolls and catch their human owners with their pants down.
Killing machines of the future
Cybersecurity expert Dr. Nick Patterson warned that hacking a sex robot would be a piece of cake compared to more advanced gadgets such as smartphones or desktop computers.
The tech expert, from Australia’s Deakin University, said that devious hackers could gain control of the robot’s motor functions in the near future – something which could have deadly Terminator-style consequences.
He said: “Hackers can hack into a robot or a robotic device and have full control of the connections, arms, legs and other attached tools like knives or welding devices.
“Once a robot is hacked, the hacker has full control and can issue instructions to the robot.”
The warning may sound a little far-fetched, but the robots run using an operating system just like a phone or PC.
And as with all devices, if that system is ever connected to the internet, then it becomes possible for hackers to break into it.
The cyber-defence lecturer told The Star: “The last thing you want is for a hacker to have control over one of these robots.”
“Once hacked, they could absolutely be used to perform physical actions for an advantageous scenario or to cause damage.”
Epidemic of sex tape blackmail
Microphones and cameras connected to the dolls could be commandeered by remote hackers looking to record filthy clips which they could use to blackmail randy users, an expert told The Sun Online.
Tim Mackey, senior technical adviser at software and computer chip firm Synopsys, says sex bots in the near-future will likely collect data on their users to build a more "personalised experience".
He said: “Users are always expecting more from their smart gadgets, and security has not kept pace.
"This extends to sex robots, where gadgets of the future could collect a 'relationship profile' built around the preferences of whoever is in control.
"Activity with the robot could be stolen by hackers, just as activity with certain brands of smart sex toy has been compromised before."
Cyber thugs could then use the bots for sextortion schemes by recording users performing sex acts and then threatening to post it online unless a random is paid.
Tim added: “Sex robots will likely someday involve cameras, microphones and speakers.
“These could help committed partners living a long distance from one another keep their relationships fresh and alive.
"But that carries a risk because people already have the ability to hack into that sort of equipment."
What is a sex robot?
Sex robots are realistic dolls which have sophisticated movements and "areas" that closely mimic humans genitalia.
Prof Noel Sharkey, chairman of the Foundation for Responsible Robotics, said guilt-free threesomes is just one of the potential uses for sex robots.
Others include “teledildonics” - wireless technology which allows a person to stimulate their partner remotely and already exists in vibrators on the market.
Sex bots will become hyper-realistic with features such as built-in heaters to create the feeling of body warmth.
They will also have sensors to react to your touch.
One company is even developing a head that can speak, smile and sing for its robot sex dolls.
Sex doll Harmony claims to be the first to offer an "emotional connection".
Experts say these specialised robots will start to appear in ordinary homes in the next decade.
He said that anyone buying smart technology - sex robot or not - should follow a few simple steps to protect themselves from hackers.
"Ensure whatever device you’re buying has a method to explicitly set your password, and don't rely on the default - go to the effort to change your password.
"Particularly with sex robots, if your partner has access to your username and password, make sure your credentials are changed should you separate."
From randy users to cold-blooded psychopaths
Professor Kathleen Richardson, an expert in Ethics and Culture of Robots, believes men who have sex with dolls develop a lack of empathy towards women.
She told The Sun Online: “You cannot learn empathy from a doll. It’s not as person. It’s not alive and the only thing going on is what’s inside you.”
“There is evidence to show that men who use human prostitutes lack empathy and how would you develop empathy if you’re with a doll.
“Empathy is about thinking and feeling about what someone else is experiencing – and if you’re having a sex with a doll you don’t have to think and feel what it’s experiencing.”
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Russian sexologist Lev Shcheglov agrees that using sex dolls will result in “psychopathic disorders".
He told Sputnik: "Sex with a robot is just a fake imitation. And it can lead to psychopathic disorders and isolation.”
He added that the non-human interaction fails to bring the “emotions that shape and bring sense to our life".
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