Sex and technology future from a device perspective

“Exploring the Intersection of Sex and Technology: A Look at Upcoming Devices”

Ready to 3-D scan your genitalia? Or engage in an intimate experience with a robot? Think about wearing a wearable that tracks your sexual activity? As technology permeates every aspect of our lives, our sexual experiences are destined to change with the advent of virtual-reality adult entertainment and Bluetooth-enabled pleasure devices.

Sex tech evolution may be accelerating, prompting us to examine how technology impacts our intimate lives.

While some may view sex-tech devices as frivolous or a passing trend, others argue that our increasing dependence on technology in numerous aspects of our lives may naturally extend to our sexual experiences. Suki Dunham, for example, creator of OhMiBod blueMotion, advocates for the use of technology to enhance relationships. As a remote-control vibrator, OhMiBod blueMotion offers the potential for individuals to share intimate moments despite geographical distances.

The field of “teledildonics,” a term that refers to remotely controlled pleasure devices, is expanding. Similar products designed for different genders are now on the market, and companies are even creating social platforms to help users “connect.”

Phone sex could become a relic of the past as advancements allow couples to experience real-time point-of-view sharing via apps like Glance, a development from London for the Google Glass.

Enter FriXion, a system that upscales the tech-sex game with synchronized feedback, providing a two-way stimulation experience. FriXion’s second testing phase is underway, and this product that simulates intercourse through synchronized movement, may hit the market soon.

In the rapidly diversifying world of sex tech, there are options for those who enjoy individual play. A noteworthy mention is the Autoblow 2, an intimate gadget for men, which not only surpassed its crowdfunding target, but also raked in over $1 million in sales.

The New York Toy Collective is further democratizing self-pleasure by creating unique toys from 3-D printed molds aimed at transcending gender stereotypes and making everyone feel included. Their popular product, Shilo, is designed for gender expression and for more traditionally sexual purposes.

But advancements in sex tech aren’t limited to devices; they’re revolutionizing mediums of adult entertainment. Virtual reality, for example, is being widely adapted by streaming companies such as SugarDVD to deliver immersive experiences to users.

However, as engaging as these advanced devices and platforms might be, the potential for addiction is real. The convenience and attraction of these technologies come with the risk of over-obsession leading to unhealthy behaviours, which is sparking a surge in individuals seeking help from therapists for sexual behaviour issues.

On the other side of this coin, technology has given rise to applications aimed at promoting safer sex practices. Apps like SexPositive, developed by the University of Oregon, educate about safe sex in a captivating and judgement-free environment.

We continue to see a trend of wearables migrating to more intimate areas. Devices like kGoal help with pelvic floor training while offering entertaining games. Additionally, a digital device that acts like a counter for sexual activity akin to a pedometer could soon become a reality.

An invention by British sex toy company Bondara, known as SexFit, expands on this concept. This smart-ring tracks the calories burnt during sex, helps improve rhythm and can even provide a score to boast about.

Sex tech is undoubtedly a brave new world, but are we truly prepared for its implications? Perhaps not entirely. Tina Gong, creator of HappyPlayTime —an app designed to de-stigmatize female masturbation— argues that “Technology always moves faster than ideology.”

In time, we may reach a point where sexual interaction with robots is commonplace. Sext Adventure, an R-rated game, already enables users to flirt with a robot in real time. FriXion’s developers are also working to allow their device to interact with movies or computer avatars.

The long-term impact of such innovation in our bedrooms and beyond remains uncertain. Will we reach a state of heightened sexual consciousness or end up in a dystopia where mechanical sex overpowers human intimacy? Interestingly though, the latter seems less likely. As Seth, FriXion’s founder, puts it, “If a robot can give you more pleasure than a human, maybe the human should be trying harder.”

*This article was updated in 2025 to reflect modern realities.

All sources came from LAURA SECORUN PALET/Ozy.