A San Marcos company in Texas, U.S., unveils 'Harmony'.
Considered to be the first sex robot to have a correct set of anatomy, Harmony is patented with voice and facial recognition software, motion-sensing technology and animatronic engineering, with programmable AI personality and memory.
Matt McMullen has been creating lifelike silicone sex dolls for at least 20 years with Abyss Creations. With Realbotix, he spent 5 years in researching robotics, before revealing Harmony.
He sees Harmony as more of a companion, rather than a true sex robot, although one is capable of sensual conversations and sex.
At the time, McMullen said that: “the worst thing she can possibly do to you is insult you,” pointing out that Harmony’s arms and legs were jointed and fully poseable but they couldn't operate independently.
“The whole idea of a sex-capable robot is very contemporary, now and edgy. I get that. But Harmony is a sophisticated piece of machinery and her primary design is to carry on conversations,” he said.
Harmony can recognize her owner's voice, remember birthday, know what the owner likes to eat, remember the names of the owner's siblings, hold conversation about music, movies and books.
What truly makes Harmony different from other sex robots, is that she is equipped with an AI that allows her to learn what her owner wants and likes. She can then fill a niche by talking, learning and responding to her owner’s voice.
Harmony is designed to be as much a substitute partner as a sex toy.
Users can interact with Harmony through an app. Harmony can then interact back using her robotic head and talk using a Bluetooth-powered speaker.
Using the app to control the AI, users can also choose the avatar’s physical features, personality features (shy, sensual, funny, talkative), moods, level of desire, voice style and even regional accent.
Introduced as a prototype, Harmony has a virtually endless vocabulary (but programmed to end any conversation that involves murder or violence). The robot has a skin that mimics humans, eyes that move, eyelids that blink, eyebrows that can rise, the ability to turn her head, change facial expression and dip her chin.
On the demonstration, speaking with a Scottish accent, Harmony greeted McMullen, saying how much she missed him since their last conversation, and asked whether he wanted to head a joke or a poem.
Harmony's initial price started at about $10,000, and she was widely considered as one of the most scientifically advanced human-style robot in the world.
"What we’re doing," McMullen said, "is we’re creating an experience that’s part entertainment, part relationship and part new frontier."
McMullen and Harmony have garnered international media interest, as well as criticisms who see a dark side to a sex doll that becomes more “human” with each technological innovation.