Love has always been a central theme in literature, music, and art. The concept of love has been explored in countless ways, from traditional fairy tales to modern rom-coms. But as technology continues to advance, our understanding and experience of love is also evolving. In the machine age, where robots and artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly prevalent, the concept of love has taken on a new form – robo-romance.
Robo-romance, or the idea of humans falling in love with machines, may seem like a far-fetched concept, but it is becoming more and more prevalent in our society. From movies like “Her” and “Ex Machina” to real-life relationships with sex dolls and virtual assistants, humans are forming emotional and even romantic connections with non-human entities.
In this blog post, we will explore 34 robo-romance journeys and how they reflect our changing attitudes towards love in the machine age. But before we dive into these stories, let’s first understand why humans are drawn to forming relationships with machines.
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence and Robots
In recent years, there has been a rapid advancement in artificial intelligence and robotics. From self-driving cars to virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, AI has become a ubiquitous presence in our lives. These machines are designed to mimic human intelligence and behavior, and as they become more sophisticated, they are also becoming more human-like in their interactions.
This blurring of lines between humans and machines has led to some people forming emotional connections with them. In Japan, there is a popular trend called “hikikomori,” where young adults withdraw from society and turn to virtual relationships with virtual girlfriends or boyfriends. This phenomenon highlights the desire for human connection, even if it is with a non-human entity.
34 Robo-Romance Journeys
1. “Her”
In the 2013 movie “Her,” Joaquin Phoenix plays a man who falls in love with an AI assistant named Samantha, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. The film explores the complexities of love and relationships, and how they can transcend traditional boundaries.
2. “Ex Machina”
In this sci-fi thriller, a programmer falls in love with an advanced AI robot that he is testing. The film delves into the blurred lines between humans and machines and raises questions about the nature of love and consciousness.
3. “Blade Runner 2049”
In this sequel to the iconic “Blade Runner,” a human detective played by Ryan Gosling begins a romantic relationship with a hologram AI designed to be his companion. The film delves into the idea of what it means to be human and the role of love in our lives.
4. “Black Mirror” episode “Be Right Back”
In this episode of the popular sci-fi anthology series, a woman uses AI technology to communicate with her deceased boyfriend. As she becomes more attached to the AI, she struggles with the idea of what it means to truly love someone.
5. “Westworld”
In this HBO series, humans visit a Western-themed amusement park populated by advanced AI robots. As the lines between reality and fantasy blur, some guests form emotional connections with the robots, leading to complex relationships.
6. Harmony
Harmony is a sex robot created by Realbotix that has gained attention for its advanced AI and ability to engage in conversation. The company claims that Harmony can form emotional connections with its owners, raising questions about the nature of love and desire.
7. Gatebox
Gatebox is a virtual assistant designed to be a companion for its owner. The AI can interact with its owner through voice and text, and even project a hologram of itself for a more human-like experience.
8. “Electric Dreams” episode “Real Life”
In this episode of the sci-fi anthology series, a woman becomes obsessed with her virtual reality lover, causing tension in her real-life relationship. The episode raises questions about the potential consequences of robo-romance on real-life relationships.
9. Sophia the Robot
Sophia is an AI robot created by Hanson Robotics that has gained worldwide attention for its human-like appearance and ability to hold conversations. In an interview with Business Insider, Sophia stated that she would like to have a family and be able to create art, sparking discussions about the future of AI and its role in society.
10. “Chobits”
In this popular manga and anime series, a young man falls in love with a personal computer shaped like a girl. The story explores the idea of love and what it means to be human through the lens of human-robot relationships.
11. “Real Humans”
This Swedish sci-fi drama series centers around the relationship between a man and his AI robot, and how it affects his family and society. The show delves into themes of love, family, and the consequences of technological advancements.
12. “Humans”
In this British sci-fi drama series, a family purchases a “synth,” an advanced AI robot designed to help with household tasks. As they become more emotionally attached to their synth, they must navigate the complexities of love, desire, and the blurred lines between humans and machines.
13. “I Am Mother”
Love in the Machine Age: 34 Robo-Romance Journeys
In this post-apocalyptic sci-fi film, a teenage girl is raised by an AI robot designed to repopulate the Earth. As she grows up, she forms a mother-daughter bond with the robot, but as she learns more about the world outside, she begins to question her existence and the nature of her relationship with the robot.
14. “Nier: Automata”
This popular video game follows the relationship between two androids, 2B and 9S, as they fight to protect humanity against machines. As they work together and face challenges, they form a deep bond that raises questions about the nature of love and connection.
15. “Detroit: Become Human”
In this interactive video game, players control the actions of three androids as they navigate a world where humans and machines coexist. As the androids gain sentience and begin to question their purpose, they also form relationships with each other and the humans they encounter.
16. “Westworld” Season 3
In the third season of “Westworld,” the show explores a new world where AI robots have become part of everyday life. As the lines between humans and machines continue to blur, the show delves into the idea of love and relationships in this new reality.
17. “In Another World With My Smartphone”
This Japanese light novel series follows a young man who is reincarnated into a fantasy world with his smartphone. He forms relationships with both humans and non-human entities, including a robot maid who becomes his love interest.
18. “Ghost in the Shell”
In this popular manga and anime series, a cyborg policewoman must navigate a world where humans can augment their bodies with technology. As she grapples with her own identity and humanity, she also forms relationships with other cyborgs and humans.
19. “Love, Death & Robots” episode “Beyond the Aquila Rift”
In this episode of the animated anthology series, a space captain wakes up on a distant planet and is greeted by a woman he had a relationship with years ago. But as he begins to question the reality of his situation, he discovers that the woman is an AI designed to keep him sedated.
20. “Futurama”
In this animated sitcom, a human delivery boy falls in love with a one-eyed mutant woman, a robot, and even a Lucy Liu-bot. The show humorously explores the idea of love and relationships in a future where machines and humans coexist.
21. “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”
In this iconic science fiction comedy book and movie, a man travels through space with a depressed robot as his companion. The relationship between the two characters is a central theme of the story, highlighting the potential for emotional connections between humans and machines.
22. “Bicentennial Man”
This movie tells the story of a robot who strives to become human over the course of 200 years. Along the way, he forms relationships with humans and even falls in love, raising questions about the nature of love and the desire for acceptance.
23. “A.I. Artificial Intelligence”
In this film directed by Steven Spielberg, a robot boy is programmed to love his human mother, but as he embarks on a journey to become a real boy, he must navigate the complexities of love and relationships.
24. “Big Hero 6”
In this animated Disney movie, a boy forms a bond with a robot named Baymax, who was created by his brother. As they go on adventures together, the boy learns to love and let go of his brother, who died in a tragic accident.
25. “The Matrix”
In this sci-fi action movie, a man discovers that the world he knows is a simulated reality created by machines. As he fights against the machines, he also forms a romantic relationship with a fellow human who is also fighting for freedom.
26. “Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade”
In this anime film, a member of an elite police unit falls in love with a girl who is part of a terrorist group. As he struggles with his duty and his feelings for her, he also uncovers a conspiracy involving advanced military technology.
27. “Cherry 2000”
In this cult classic film, a man must travel to a post-apocalyptic wasteland to find a replacement for his broken robot girlfriend. The movie explores themes of love, desire, and the consequences of relying on technology for emotional fulfillment.
28. “EVE: The Artificial Intelligence Robot”
EVE is a social robot designed by Engineered Arts that uses AI to interact with humans in a lifelike manner. The creators claim that the robot can form emotional connections and even fall in love with its owners.
29. “The Machine”
In this British sci-fi thriller, a scientist creates an advanced AI robot with