Would you marry a robot?

[Puppycow]

If in the future they really improved robots to the point where they achieved a very high level of artificial intelligence and human-like appearance, would you consider trading in your human spouse (or never pursuing) for a super-hot, fun-loving, witty, loyal, hard-working, never critical or nagging, always supportive robot?

[El Greco]

A robot indistinguishable from a young Sophie Marceau which doesn't age and has a crush on me ? Not only I'd marry it, I'd also be madly in love with it.

[Puppycow]

I think I might, too. But would it concern you that it couldn't really love you back. It could convincingly simulate it, perhaps, but maybe its very perfection would make you too spoiled? And we could never again be satisfied with merely human companionship.

Of course with a robot, if you get bored you can alwasy trade it in for a new model or give it up entirely.

I wonder if this will become the norm in the future? And for reproduction we use artificial wombs and such. Would that be a bad thing, or just the next stage in our evolution?

[El Greco]

I think I might, too. But would it concern you that it couldn't really love you back. It could convincingly simulate it, perhaps, but maybe its very perfection would make you too spoiled?

If you can make the robot "convincingly simulate" love you can probably simulate imperfection as well if you so wish.

BTW, do you know how many people are married to women who simulate love totally unconvincingly, or don't even bother to simulate anything ? :D

[webfusion]

Sure. Bring it on.

http://toast.nonfiction.org/0044/robot-love-1.gif

and

http://blog.ldspromise.com/strips/08-08-2005.jpg

and


http://www.english.ucsb.edu/grad/student-pages/efreudenthal/robot.jpg

and


http://www.leifolson.net/concepts/apple/hajimesoraya/HajimeSorayama_G5b_1024.jpg
(Hajime Sorayama has created several other really fascinating renditions of this same theme...)

http://www.suicide.couk.com/gallery/sora/robmenu.htm *** NSFW ***

[Puppycow]

(Hajime Soroyama has created several other really fascinating renditions of this same theme... I'll leave it to you to discover them if you so desire.)


ps - marriage tag is misspelled.

Thanks. One thing I do predict: If and when these things are invented, it will be the Japanese who do it.

[webfusion]

http://home.comcast.net/~advent99/apple.html

A friend of mine wrote this.
Quite on-topic.

[TragicMonkey]

If in the future they really improved robots to the point where they achieved a very high level of artificial intelligence and human-like appearance, would you consider trading in your human spouse (or never pursuing) for a super-hot, fun-loving, witty, loyal, hard-working, never critical or nagging, always supportive robot?

Ugh! Who would want a loyal, hard-working, never critical or nagging, always-supportive spouse? I don't mind witty, super-hot, or fun-loving, but the other traits are truly repellant.

[Ian Osborne]

If in the future they really improved robots to the point where they achieved a very high level of artificial intelligence and human-like appearance, would you consider trading in your human spouse (or never pursuing) for a super-hot, fun-loving, witty, loyal, hard-working, never critical or nagging, always supportive robot?

You have trouble getting dates, don't you? :D

[AWPrime]

Not cuddly enough.

[The Painter]

If in the future they really improved robots to the point where they achieved a very high level of artificial intelligence and human-like appearance, would you consider trading in your human spouse (or never pursuing) for a super-hot, fun-loving, witty, loyal, hard-working, never critical or nagging, always supportive robot?

While she’s taking care of my morning wood, would my toast pop out of the top of her head? That would be cool.

[sphenisc]

I just know I'd get dumped for a T-101.

[dann]

Does it come with that new-car scent?
No, I don't think I would.

[malbui]

A robot indistinguishable from a young Sophie Marceau which doesn't age and has a crush on me ? Not only I'd marry it, I'd also be madly in love with it.
I hope they'd be able to mass-produce these robots or I'd be fighting you for her, El Greco.

[Puppycow]

You have trouble getting dates, don't you? :D

Yes, being married with children makes it a little bit difficult. ;)

(It is true I've always been rather shy and introverted. Not much of a people-person, especially clumsy with the opposite sex. If you've been married long enough you may come to wish that it was as easy to get out of as into.)

[dann]

If and when these things are invented, it will be the Japanese who do it.I thought that realdoll.com was an American company ...

[bob_kark]

Ok;


Does it put out?
How often do I have to update it?
Does it have WiFi?
Can I download my playlist from iTunes?
If it gets struck by lightning, will it freak out like Johnny 5?
Does the rust protection cover the undercarriage?
If for any reason it decides to go psycho on me, is there anyway we can make sure it doesn't sing Daisy super slow as it is destroyed?
Could it also not call me Dave?
Does it put out?

[Puppycow]

I thought that realdoll.com was an American company ...

Never heard of it. I'm talking about robots, not dolls. Most of the advanced robots com from Japan.

[Piscivore]

I think I might, too. But would it concern you that it couldn't really love you back. It could convincingly simulate it, perhaps,

Please explain what you think "love" is, and explain why you do not think an intelligence of any stripe- be it biological, mechanical, or otherwise- could experience it.

This is exactly what my as yet unfinished novel is about.


ETA: And the answer to your question is "yes"- were I not so already.

[Crossbow]

If in the future they really improved robots to the point where they achieved a very high level of artificial intelligence and human-like appearance, would you consider trading in your human spouse (or never pursuing) for a super-hot, fun-loving, witty, loyal, hard-working, never critical or nagging, always supportive robot?

Heck no!

I would live like H.H. and have at least three or four of them and not marry any of them.

;)

[Puppycow]

Ok;


Does it put out?
How often do I have to update it?
Does it have WiFi?
Can I download my playlist from iTunes?
If it gets struck by lightning, will it freak out like Johnny 5?
Does the rust protection cover the undercarriage?
If for any reason it decides to go psycho on me, is there anyway we can make sure it doesn't sing Daisy super slow as it is destroyed?
Could it also not call me Dave?
Does it put out?



Of course, isn't that the most important part?
As often as you want
Why not?
ditto
There's a downside to everything
ditto
Make sure you never let it see that movie.
More importantly, it could not call you late for dinner.
Does it ever.

[Ripley Twenty-Nine]

If it gets struck by lightning, will it freak out like Johnny 5?
Hey man, Number 5 was ALIVE!

[HarryKeogh]

I dunno. Sounds too risky. If that robot-vagina decides to reboot at the wrong time it could be painful.

[Piscivore]

I dunno. Sounds too risky. If that robot-vagina decides to reboot at the wrong time it could be painful.

... unless you're into that kind of thing.

[Random]

Not cuddly enough.

But once we get that basic computing power and articulation down, we would be able to customize them! Catgirl models, teddy bear models, the sky is the limit! If you want cuddly, they can give it to you.

[Puppycow]

Please explain what you think "love" is, and explain why you do not think an intelligence of any stripe- be it biological, mechanical, or otherwise- could experience it.

This is exactly what my as yet unfinished novel is about.


ETA: And the answer to your question is "yes"- were I not so already.

Good question. In a robot's case, its AI would be a set of instructions created by a human programmer. It would behave exactly as it was programmed to do. It would simulate love because it has to follow its instructions. I don't think a robot would actually be sentient or have free choice, although it might appear to, based on a random number generator. Most people would want to control their robot and make it behave according to their own personal preferences. Free choice would mean the risk of the robot attacking you or leaving or doing something you don't want it to.

[Piscivore]

Good question. In a robot's case, its AI would be a set of instructions created by a human programmer. It would behave exactly as it was programmed to do.
Except for the origins of the "instruction set" this isn't that different from humans, is it?

It would simulate love because it has to follow its instructions.
That's a restatement of your original thought, but it does not say what "love" is. How do you simulate love?

I don't think a robot would actually be sentient or have free choice, although it might appear to, based on a random number generator.
That's another whole set of questions. :)

Most people would want to control their robot and make it behave according to their own personal preferences.
This is behaviour we see a portion of married humans display towards their "real" spouses.

Free choice would mean the risk of the robot attacking you or leaving or doing something you don't want it to.
Given.

You didn't really address the question- what do you think "love" is"?

[Darth Rotor]

If in the future they really improved robots to the point where they achieved a very high level of artificial intelligence and human-like appearance, would you consider trading in your human spouse (or never pursuing) for a super-hot, fun-loving, witty, loyal, hard-working, never critical or nagging, always supportive robot?
Only if it was named Monica.

DR

[BPSCG]

Interesting that all the answers here appear to be from guys. I conclude that from the fact that nobody here is asking about a robot that:

Doesn't burp, fart, or scratch;
Understands when you're too tired for sex (whatever that means...);
Listens when you talk;
Doesn't have to be asked to take out the garbage;
Likes chick flicks better than football.I guess the skepchicks love us just the way we are (cue up Billy Joel...)!

[billydkid]

If in the future they really improved robots to the point where they achieved a very high level of artificial intelligence and human-like appearance, would you consider trading in your human spouse (or never pursuing) for a super-hot, fun-loving, witty, loyal, hard-working, never critical or nagging, always supportive robot?
In a minute!!! Did anyone see that Outer Limits episode on cable called - crap, I can't remember, but it was the robot girls name. Man she was smokin'. One thing about the cable version of The Outer Limits - they generally find a way to fit in full frontal nudity. Man, this robot was something to write home about. I wonder if robot girls have to shave or if they come that way.

[billydkid]

please ignor me.

[CynicalSkeptic]

Absolutely not! Marriage is between One Man and One Woman, just the way God and the Bible say (at least for the last 80 years or so).

[Piscivore]

In a minute!!! Did anyone see that Outer Limits episode on cable called - crap, I can't remember, but it was the robot girls name. Man she was smokin'. One thing about the cable version of The Outer Limits - they generally find a way to fit in full frontal nudity. Man, this robot was something to write home about. I wonder if robot girls have to shave or if they come that way.

Valerie 23, or Mary 25?

[AWPrime]

But once we get that basic computing power and articulation down, we would be able to customize them! Catgirl models, teddy bear models, the sky is the limit! If you want cuddly, they can give it to you.

Then I still rather have a geneticly engineered catgirl before the robotic kind.

[Overman]

Can we have more than one?

One for the kitchen, one for the bedroom...

[Piscivore]

Can we have more than one?

One for the kitchen, one for the bedroom...

Ah, but Overman- they don't need to sleep. And here in Stepford the women don't have jobs outside the house, either. :)

[Random]

Then I still rather have a geneticly engineered catgirl before the robotic kind.

Maybe, but that crosses an ethical line for me that gets into issues of racism and slavery.

I’d probably feel the same way too about a true AI. But if it just a robot following a complicated set of operating instructions, I’m OK with that.

[Dave1001]

If in the future they really improved robots to the point where they achieved a very high level of artificial intelligence and human-like appearance, would you consider trading in your human spouse (or never pursuing) for a super-hot, fun-loving, witty, loyal, hard-working, never critical or nagging, always supportive robot?

Why not? From a solipstic perspective, all human interaction is essentially masterbation.

[ceo_esq]

While she’s taking care of my morning wood ...

"I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that."

[Darth Rotor]

Why not? From a solipstic perspective, all human interaction is essentially masterbation.
Wait a minute. If I am chatting with my daughter while I cook her breakfast, I am masturbating?

What color is the sky in the solipstic world?

DR

[Piscivore]

I’d probably feel the same way too about a true AI. But if it just a robot following a complicated set of operating instructions, I’m OK with that.

What is the difference between a "true AI" and a "complicated set of operating instructions"?

[Marc L]

While she’s taking care of my morning wood, would my toast pop out of the top of her head? That would be cool.

I...th...wow.

You have no idea what images that placed into my head. I may need to shun Mrs. L for a bit, at the risk of bursting out laughing mid-coitus.

Then again, it's better than Thomas the Tank Engine....

Marc

[Forty-Two]

I saw the thread title, and I was going to pop in here and mention my childhood crush on Data from ST:TNG, but after reading the thread I see it has gone strange and frightening places.

[Piscivore]

I saw the thread title, and I was going to pop in here and mention my childhood crush on Data from ST:TNG, but after reading the thread I see it has gone strange and frightening places.

He was "fully functional", you know...

[Piscivore]

I...th...wow.

You have no idea what images that placed into my head. I may need to shun Mrs. L for a bit, at the risk of bursting out laughing mid-coitus.

Then again, it's better than Thomas the Tank Engine....

Marc

I'm confused- you've previously had mid-coitus fantasies about Thomas the Tank engine popping out of your wife's head?


And I thought I was strange.

[Orangutan]

Would I marry one?
Errm, No! Don't be daft.
I'd have a whole harem. Of course as anyone who watches Futurama knows, civilization would end.

[Overman]

And if they turn on us in mass....as long it is a hot sexy turn on, im cool.

Couldn't think of a better way to go!

[Dave1001]

Wait a minute. If I am chatting with my daughter while I cook her breakfast, I am masturbating?


I'm not touching that set-up with a 10 foot pole. :covereyes


What color is the sky in the solipstic world?

DR

exactly.

[Jimbo07]

What is the difference between a "true AI" and a "complicated set of operating instructions"?

I'm assuming this thread is fun and not a place to get into topics like complexity and emergent properties?

[malbui]

I'm assuming this thread is fun and not a place to get into topics like complexity and emergent properties?
Well, I'm still fantasising about a robot Sophie Marceau so that's probably a fair assumption :D

[aggle-rithm]

What is the difference between a "true AI" and a "complicated set of operating instructions"?

"Any sufficiently complicated set of operating instructions is indistinguishable from AI."

-- Some old guy

[aggle-rithm]

My wife claims that she has married a robot. I have no idea what she's talking about.

[Random]

What is the difference between a "true AI" and a "complicated set of operating instructions"?

It doesn’t matter to the topic, I realized. Basically, the definition of “robot” that I was thinking of would not be able to give legal consent, so it would not be possible to marry one.

[roger]

As far as I know I am dating one, and am one myself, so, yes.

[BPSCG]

As pleasurable as this all sounds, might I remind you all of the Law of Unintended Consequences (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%2C_Mudd_%28TOS_episode%29)?

[Aoidoi]

If the robot was that perfect for me, she wouldn't want to get married. ;)

[Beerina]

A robot indistinguishable from a young Sophie Marceau which doesn't age and has a crush on me ? Not only I'd marry it, I'd also be madly in love with it.

In the future of one story I read, people would have genetically designed sex slaves that were custom tailored to find the person hot as hell, and were also designed to be just what the person found arousing. They had "free will" in the sense that they got to do what they most wanted -- make love sweet love over and over again to the person.

People still got married and even had babies -- but they would both have their own sex thingamabob.

[Regnad Kcin]

My god, have none of you people seen Westworld?

[El Greco]

Well, I'm still fantasising about a robot Sophie Marceau

I'm warning you: Stay away from my wife.

[Random]

In the future of one story I read, people would have genetically designed sex slaves that were custom tailored to find the person hot as hell, and were also designed to be just what the person found arousing. They had "free will" in the sense that they got to do what they most wanted -- make love sweet love over and over again to the person.

People still got married and even had babies -- but they would both have their own sex thingamabob.

Three words: "Ameglian Major Cow"

[JonWhite]

Make mine a Lucy Liu 'bot (minus erotic assassin mode)!

[JonWhite]

Fry: You're cute!
LiuBot: You're cute!
Fry: You!
LiuBot: You!
Fry: You!
(This goes on for a while)
Farnsworth: Oh, dear! She's stuck in an infinite loop, and he's an idiot. Well, that's love for you.

[KingMerv00]

(Jumped to the end of the thread...sorry.)

If a robot AI was complex enough to simulate a human's love, wouldn't it love you in the same way a human does? A human is just a meat robot after all.

[KingMerv00]

Fry: You're cute!
LiuBot: You're cute!
Fry: You!
LiuBot: You!
Fry: You!
(This goes on for a while)
Farnsworth: Oh, dear! She's stuck in an infinite loop, and he's an idiot. Well, that's love for you.

(LiuBot is dying)

LiuBot: I'll never forget you.

(Sparks and explosions)

LiuBot: MEMORY DELETED.

[Darth Rotor]

(Jumped to the end of the thread...sorry.)

If a robot AI was complex enough to simulate a human's love, wouldn't it love you in the same way a human does? A human is just a meat robot after all.
Designed by whom?

A robot is a device manufactured to mimic a human function, not the other way around.

Chicken or egg? Chicken. (Human, who apparently, to robots, taste like chicken . . . )

DR

[roger]

Designed by whom?
Not who, what. Evolution, in this case.

[billydkid]

Valerie 23, or Mary 25?

Yes, thank you , it was Valerie.

[Puppycow]

You didn't really address the question- what do you think "love" is"?

Sorry. Off the top of my head, it is a strong level of sympathy. Perhaps it is an evolutionary adaptation designed to make us protect our mate, offspring, and close relatives. So maybe the robot version wouldn't really be much different.

[Piscivore]

Sorry. Off the top of my head, it is a strong level of sympathy. Perhaps it is an evolutionary adaptation designed to make us protect our mate, offspring, and close relatives. So maybe the robot version wouldn't really be much different.

Thanks.

[Kaylee]

Interesting that all the answers here appear to be from guys. I conclude that from the fact that nobody here is asking about a robot that:

Doesn't burp, fart, or scratch;
Understands when you're too tired for sex (whatever that means...);
Listens when you talk;
Doesn't have to be asked to take out the garbage;
Likes chick flicks better than football.I guess the skepchicks love us just the way we are (cue up Billy Joel...)!

Of course we do! But we don't like Billy Joel... :)

Seriously, its a popular genre and it's been done for the female POV also.

Like 42 already said: Data -- he was the love interest of at least two women in Star Trek (Tasha Yar and someone else, unfortunately for Data it was a one-episode stand. )

Also:

Isaac Asimov's Robots of Dawn (http://www.amazon.com/Robots-Dawn-Isaac-Asimov/dp/0553299492/sr=1-1/qid=1169766705/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-8194766-0607121?ie=UTF8&s=books). A detective is sent to investigate a murder, which turns out to be a roboticide, and the robot was the lover of a beautiful woman.

Making Mr. Right (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093477/plotsummary)-- a PR is hired to "sell" an android to the public and ends up falling in love with him. It's so easy, he's a handsome blank slate and becomes exactly what she wants.

The android was created to go on a long space trip, but in the end the nerd he was modeled after goes in his place, willingly, and the android stays and gets the girl! :D

There' are probably other stories out there written for the female POV, but that is all I can recall at the moment.

As for the OP -- this makes for good sci-fi -- bur for real life? No, I don't think so. There's no substitute for interacting with geniunely independent people with their own opinoins and surprises.

200 years from now will some people have some really expensive x-rated toys including sex robots? Probably. Will their programming be as sophisticated as "ours", the "meat robots", as someone so elegantly put it ? I really doubt it.

[Piscivore]

200 years from now will some people have some really expensive x-rated toys including sex robots? Probably. Will their programming be as sophisticated as "ours", the "meat robots", as someone so elegantly put it ? I really doubt it.

I give it about fifty years, in my book. :)

[Kaylee]

I give it about fifty years, in my book. :)
OK -- 50 years for the Bill Gates of the World and 200 years before they are stocked in Robots R' Us. :)

[Puppycow]

I give it about fifty years, in my book. :)

I think that's more like it, but actually I expect earlier models in the 2020s

[Puppycow]

The maiden flight of the Wright Flyer was in 1903. Think about how much aircraft advanced each decade. By 1969, we had the Apollo 11. So, if today's robots are like the Wright Flyers of robots, then by the 10s we will have the robot equivalent of WWI era biplanes, and so on through the robot equivalent of jets, and spacecraft by the latter half of the century.

At least that's my prediction.

[Piscivore]

OK -- 50 years for the Bill Gates of the World and 200 years before they are stocked in Robots R' Us. :)

I meant "in my book" literally. It is set in an indeterminate year in the mid to late 21st century, and there is a Vegas based company that sells Sex Robots. They aren't cheap, though. :)

[skeptifem]

**** YEAH. I would at least have a sex robot. thats for sure.

[Puppycow]

Piscivore: Where is Sadakoyama?

[Skeptic]

maybe its very perfection would make you too spoiled?

I'll take the risk.

[athon]

If in the future they really improved robots to the point where they achieved a very high level of artificial intelligence and human-like appearance, would you consider trading in your human spouse (or never pursuing) for a super-hot, fun-loving, witty, loyal, hard-working, never critical or nagging, always supportive robot?

I'm still not convinced that my ex-wife wasn't one. Either that, or she was the first human who couldn't pass the Turing test.

Athon

[Forty-Two]

...unfortunately for Data it was a one-episode stand.
Nah, I'd say it was fortunately. From what I recall, the girl was on the rebound, and she reached out to Data specifically because he couldn't intentionally hurt her. Ironically, he was more "emotionally" invested in the relationship than she was, and he was mystified when she broke up with him.

...Yeah, my childhood crush is showing. :blush:

[El Greco]

I think that's more like it, but actually I expect earlier models in the 2020s

Ok, I have to stay alive for about 15 more years. It's doable.

[Puppycow]

...Yeah, my childhood crush is showing. :blush:

OMG, I just had a flashback about this girl I knew in HS who loved Spock. :D

It's OK, we are very much kindrid spirits. (Maybe not. I shouldn't read too much into a few words.)

[SezMe]

If in the future they really improved robots to the point where they achieved a very high level of artificial intelligence and human-like appearance, would you consider trading in your human spouse (or never pursuing) for a super-hot, fun-loving, witty, loyal, hard-working, never critical or nagging, always supportive robot?
You have just defined an impossible being...like the omni-whatever Christian god. There is no such thing as a "never critical or nagging, always supportive robot". Sometimes being "supportive" requires that one be "critical".

[Puppycow]

You have just defined an impossible being...like the omni-whatever Christian god. There is no such thing as a "never critical or nagging, always supportive robot". Sometimes being "supportive" requires that one be "critical".

True. It could be an enabler that allowed you to turn yourself into Jabba the Hut. You have to have a little self-control. This is why there is a hidden danger. Too much of good thing usually ends up being bad.

[aggle-rithm]

Ok, I have to stay alive for about 15 more years. It's doable.

Let's hope they're programmed to get aroused by erectile dysfunction.

[Piscivore]

Piscivore: Where is Sadakoyama?

Here (http://www.nationstates.net/page=display_nation/pin=-1/_weblab=/target=display_nation/nation=sadakoyama/_IP=66.249.72.166).

[El Greco]

Let's hope they're programmed to get aroused by erectile dysfunction.

Hey, I'm a pharmacist.

[Beerina]

Of course we do! But we don't like Billy Joel... :)

Seriously, its a popular genre and it's been done for the female POV also.

Like 42 already said: Data -- he was the love interest of at least two women in Star Trek (Tasha Yar and someone else, unfortunately for Data it was a one-episode stand. )

Also:

Isaac Asimov's Robots of Dawn (http://www.amazon.com/Robots-Dawn-Isaac-Asimov/dp/0553299492/sr=1-1/qid=1169766705/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-8194766-0607121?ie=UTF8&s=books). A detective is sent to investigate a murder, which turns out to be a roboticide, and the robot was the lover of a beautiful woman.

In the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic video game, there's a mini side mission where a crazed woman desperately wants you to go find her robot butler. After finding the butler out in the wilderness, you find out he ran away. Why, what did she make you do for her? "You don't want to know."

And if my detailed knowledge of the plotlines of video games doesn't turn on women, then I'll be a monkey's nephew.

[Beerina]

OK -- 50 years for the Bill Gates of the World and 200 years before they are stocked in Robots R' Us. :)

Are you kidding? Sexual applications drove the adoption of the VCR and the Internet (especially increasing the data pipe size.)

50 years for the Bill Gateses of the world, 70 for everyone else, if not less. Once the software is done, the rest is just EEs paring away the manufacturing costs.

[Piscivore]

Let's hope they're programmed to get aroused by erectile dysfunction.

No problem. Cyborg wangs will obviously come first.

[Beerina]

Ok, I have to stay alive for about 15 more years. It's doable.

Cyberdine Sexbot Model Soozie Seventeen: Oh yeah, baby. Come give it to me. Give it to me real good!

Greko: I"m'a gonna be givin' it, real good!

Cyberdine Sexbot Model Soozie Seventeen: Oh yeah. Did you know I am especially attracted to 80 year old geezers?

[AWPrime]

Maybe, but that crosses an ethical line for me that gets into issues of racism and slavery.
I feel the same way about a true AI.

I’d probably feel the same way too about a true AI. But if it just a robot following a complicated set of operating instructions, I’m OK with that.
Unless it is a full AI I wouldn't even think about it. Too boring.

[aggle-rithm]

Hey, I'm a pharmacist.

Cool! Everyone meet at El Greco's for cocktails and Viagra!

[bjornart]

If in the future they really improved robots to the point where they achieved a very high level of artificial intelligence and human-like appearance, would you consider trading in your human spouse (or never pursuing) for a super-hot, fun-loving, witty, loyal, hard-working, never critical or nagging, always supportive robot?

No. I don't think I would. But I still want this t-shirt: http://www.dieselsweeties.com/shirts/iscrewrobots/

[Bikewer]

I'd have a go at the Buffy-bot.....

More seriously, Isaac Asimov wrote extensively about robotics, and said in a couple of his editorial columns (for Asimov's Sci-Fi) that at such point as humans could have relations with robots, they would.

Which should not surprise; they manage to sell numbers of...."toys" each year, including the vastly expensive "Real Doll".

[webfusion]

they manage to sell numbers of...."toys" each year, including the vastly expensive "Real Doll".

Vastly expensive? It's a veritable bargain, compared to a Real Wife™

[Dave1001]

I feel the same way about a true AI.


Unless it is a full AI I wouldn't even think about it. Too boring.

Full AI could just be a complicated set of operating instructions. True AI (if, like free will, it exists) isn't necessarily true AI, nor is it necessarily externally distinguishable.

[Puppycow]

An interesting question about AI:
I wonder if they invent AI that can pass the so-called Turing test (which as I understand it means that it can simulate intelligence convincingly enough that a human cannot tell the difference) whether enough people will then say that we have to give them full human rights. IMO passing the Turing test does not mean that a machine is sentient. But I also recognise that it probably won't be possible to either prove or disprove the question in a way that every reasonable person can agree.

[Forty-Two]

Hm. I think that passing the Turing Test will probably be more of a milestone than anything objectively meaningful. I think that the (future) AI that has a reasonable shot at individual rights will definitely be able to pass the Turing Test, but not all AIs that pass the Turing Test will deserve individual rights.

[AWPrime]

Full AI could just be a complicated set of operating instructions. True AI (if, like free will, it exists) isn't necessarily true AI, nor is it necessarily externally distinguishable.
Like humans? ;)

[dann]

Love Me, Love My Robot? (http://www.tv3.dk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9104&Itemid=1015) On Danish TV Thursday night!

[Sir Robin Goodfellow]

Okay, are we talking about a robot that looks like Parminder Nagra? Cause if so, well, I think that, yes, you know, if it's got the accent and all...

[Piscivore]

Love Me, Love My Robot? (http://www.tv3.dk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9104&Itemid=1015) On Danish TV Thursday night!

Is that a tour of the Realdoll factory? I bet that's a surreal place.

[dann]

It appears to be a documentary about the company RealDoll and its customers. (One is called Davecat.) The actual title of the documentary is Love Me, Love My Doll (http://nakedcircus.net/modules/wordpress/?p=460). (Maybe not safe to open at work.)
I quoted one of their adds in A Lift, Too (http://www.gyldendal-uddannelse.dk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/productPN_10001_10001_1000_8700382884-1-1), an anthology of texts in English for Danish high-school students. It also included Bryan Ferry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Ferry)'s lyrics In Every Dream Home a Heart Ache (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Every_Dream_Home_A_Heartache) and Joe R. Lansdale (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_R._Lansdale)'s short story Love Doll: A Fable (http://anonyblog.com/archives/004198.html).

[Smidge]

I wouldn’t’ mind marrying a robot especially if the robot were programmable to my specifications. Say he had a very specific male look - I’m thinking, George Clooney circa his ER years - then oh yes, this Smidgen would be all too glad to robot up her love.

Imagine – no farts, burps, or hogging the blankets, no arguments concerning performing household chores, would know all my most sensitive hots spots, contain extra rogering-me-rigid skills but could also perform a gentle foot massage and put up book shelves.

I can’t yet post links in my posts being a newbie an’ all, but there was a documentary on either Channel 4 or BBC2 on mechanically assisted/enhanced (ahem) ‘love’. It was on some UK TV channel a couple of months ago at least, before Christmas certainly.

The documentary contained info on lots of odd and unusual mechanical sexual aids including Real Doll owners, some of whom own more than one Real Doll. A man in the UK owns four whilst another man in the US owns 8 (yes, EIGHT!). They both complained that there was no re-action or inter-action with the dolls though. Smart guys, eh?

[dann]

Roxy Music's In Every Dream Home a Heartache (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F2X5Qrgo0Y) on YouTube.

[Darth Rotor]

I'm not touching that set-up with a 10 foot pole. :covereyes
If ya did, you'd go blind. :p

DR