Barcelona robot brothel triggers local backlash

The opening of the Lumi Dolls robot brothel in Barcelona , reportedly the first of its kind in the world, triggered controversy and a local backlash. Local human sex workers, represented by the Association of Sex Professionals (Aprosex), strongly objected to the brothel, arguing that sex dolls cannot provide the same services as human sex workers, such as emotional connection and companionship. Some human sex workers criticised the brothel as objectifying and dehumanising, calling it "another strategy of the patriarchy". It also resulted in a backlash from prostitutes concerned about losing their jobs. Two weeks after its launch, the brothel was forced to move from its original location in Barcelona's Gothic quarter after the building's landlord canceled the lease, likely due to the controversy surrounding the business. The brothel relocated to a secret address, only disclosed to paying customers. Municipal police launched an investigation into the legality of the brothel, and ethicists and civil rights advocates voiced concerns about human-machine anthropomorphism and potential negative societal impacts. Robotics expert Professor Noel Sharkey warned that such establishments could encourage objectification of women and potentially lead to abuse, rape, and paedophilia. The brothel reportedly had to turn away individuals wanting to act out rape fantasies and paedophile abuse scenarios. System 🤖 Lumi Dolls Operator: Lumi Dolls Developer: Lumi Dolls Country: Spain Sector: Media/entertainment/sports/arts Purpose: Provide sexual services Technology: Robotics Issue: Anthropomorphism; Employment /labour

Date it happened

2017-03-01

Organisation involved

Lumi Dolls

Product, system or model

Lumi Dolls

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