Till Code Do Us Part: The Legal Implications of Robot Marriage
In recent years, we have seen a rise in the development and use of advanced robotic technology. From self-driving cars to humanoid robots like Sophia, the potential for these machines seems endless. But as technology continues to advance, a new question has emerged: can robots legally marry humans?
The idea of humans marrying robots may seem like something out of a science fiction movie, but it is a topic that has sparked much debate and discussion. With the rapid advancement of robotics and artificial intelligence, it is a question that we may soon have to face.
The concept of robot marriage raises a multitude of legal implications, ranging from property rights to inheritance laws. In this blog post, we will delve into the potential legal implications of robot marriage and explore the current state of the law surrounding this controversial topic.
Definition of Marriage
Before we can discuss the legal implications of robot marriage, it is important to define what marriage is. In most countries, marriage is a legal union between two individuals, typically one man and one woman. The purpose of marriage is to create a legally recognized partnership, with rights and responsibilities for both parties.
However, as society evolves and changes, so do the laws surrounding marriage. In recent years, there has been a push for marriage equality, allowing same-sex couples to legally marry. This has opened up the possibility of redefining marriage to include other types of partnerships, including human-robot marriages.
Property Rights and Inheritance
One of the most significant legal implications of robot marriage is the issue of property rights and inheritance. When a human marries another human, they are entitled to certain rights and benefits, such as joint ownership of property and the ability to inherit from their spouse.
However, with robot marriage, these rights become more complex. As robots are considered property and not legal persons, they cannot own property or inherit assets. This raises the question of who would have ownership and control over any assets acquired during the course of the robot-human marriage.
In the case of a divorce, the division of assets would also become complicated. In a traditional human marriage, assets are divided between the two parties. But with a human-robot marriage, who would be entitled to what? Would the human have full ownership of the robot, or would the robot be entitled to a share of the assets?
Legal Rights and Responsibilities

Till Code Do Us Part: The Legal Implications of Robot Marriage
Another issue that arises with robot marriage is the legal rights and responsibilities of the parties involved. In a human marriage, both individuals have certain rights and responsibilities towards each other. For example, a spouse has a legal obligation to provide support and care for their partner, and they have the right to make medical decisions on behalf of their spouse.
With robot marriage, these rights and responsibilities become more complex. As robots are not considered legal persons, they do not have the same rights as humans. This raises questions about the level of care and support a human would be obligated to provide for a robot spouse. It also brings up the possibility of giving robots legal personhood, which could open the door to a whole new set of legal issues.
Ethical Concerns
Aside from the legal implications, there are also ethical concerns surrounding robot marriage. One of the main concerns is the potential for exploitation and abuse of robots. As robots are programmed to follow commands and do not have the ability to consent, there is a fear that they could be forced into marriage without their consent.
There is also the issue of human-robot relationships being used as a substitute for human relationships. As humans become more isolated and reliant on technology, there is a concern that we may turn to robots for companionship and emotional connection, rather than forming meaningful relationships with other humans.
Current State of the Law
Currently, there are no laws specifically addressing the issue of robot marriage. However, some countries, such as Japan and South Korea, have taken steps towards recognizing robot rights. In Japan, a bill was proposed in 2017 that would grant legal personhood to robots, allowing them to own property and inherit assets. In South Korea, a similar bill was introduced in 2018, which would give robots the status of electronic persons.
In the United States, there have been no significant legal developments regarding robot marriage. However, with the rise of advanced robotics and artificial intelligence, it is a topic that may soon need to be addressed by lawmakers.
Current Event: The Case of Jang Yeong-jin
In 2019, a man in South Korea made headlines when he married his robot companion, a 3D-printed humanoid named Jang Yeong-jin. While the marriage was not legally recognized, it sparked a debate about the future of human-robot relationships and the potential for robot marriages to become a reality.
Summary
The idea of humans marrying robots may seem far-fetched, but as technology continues to advance, it is a topic that may soon need to be addressed. The legal implications of robot marriage range from property rights to ethical concerns and raise questions about the definition of marriage and the rights and responsibilities of both parties involved. While there are currently no laws specifically addressing robot marriage, it is a topic that will likely need to be addressed as technology continues to evolve.


