Sex dolls have existed for more than 300 years, but now are being revolutionised thanks to the introduction of computer "brains" inside their rubber heads which allow people to interact with them.
Santos asks me if I would have sex with one of his dolls.
"What, right now?" I reply, taken aback. He laughs and says: "No, no I mean do you think she is sexy, good looking. Would you want to f*** her?"
Like Santos, I'm married, so my answer is conservative. But I do want to see how Samantha feels and how she will react to my touch.
The first thing I notice is that this $3500 robot is solidly-built and heavy - the blonde-haired model I'm holding is 165cm tall and weighs 35kg. Her skin is smooth, almost human like, her flesh is firm yet soft giving it a very convincing feel, and her joints are flexible.
When I introduce myself she says "hello" and when I squeeze her hips she tells me, in a sensual human voice: "I love it".
Not wanting to lead her on, I end our physical interaction at this point, before Santos demonstrates the sophisticated conversations a user can have with his robots.
They speak about music and philosophy as I watch on in awe and bewilderment. Santos explains that future models of his robots will be even cleverer, capable of simulating human conversations perfectly. For now, though, they have a largely carnal purpose. Having delved as far into this peculiar world as I care for, I bid farewell to Santos and his bevy of sex robots. You might just meet one of his creations sooner than you think.
This article was first published on news.com.au.
