The Future of Sex Technology: AI, Virtual Reality, and the Rise of Digital Intimacy

Written by: Joshua Gonzalez

Table of contents

Key Takeaways The Future of Sex Technology A Pandemic-Fueled Sexual Revolution Sex Tech Investment is Heating Up What About the Robots?! The Future is Bright (and a Little Freaky) Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

Sex tech is more than just sex robots—it includes dating apps, fertility tools, remote intimacy devices, and more.

The sextech industry is expected to reach $122 billion by 2024 , despite ongoing financial and regulatory hurdles.

AI sex robots are advancing beyond simple pleasure and into companionship, with some even available in brothels.

Smart sex toys are integrating AI and Bluetooth technology for more interactive and customized experiences.

The rise of digital sexual wellness tools is making sexual health more accessible and de-stigmatized.

Be honest—when you hear the term "sex technology" or "sex tech industry," what do you think of? Remote control underwear? Virtual reality sex? Sex robots? We’ll get to the robots later (because of course we will), but first, let’s define what we’re talking about. Dictionary.com and Merriam-Webster completely drop the ball here, so we turn to Bryony Cole, sextech expert and founder of Future of Sex. She defines sextech as “any technology designed to enhance sexuality.”

It’s tempting to equate "enhancing sexuality" with "enhancing sexual pleasure," but that’s way too simplistic. The sextech industry has the potential to revolutionize all aspects of human intimacy for all kinds of people. We’re talking about fostering emotional connections in long-distance relationships, supporting those recovering from trauma, advancing infertility treatments, and restoring sexual function for individuals with disabilities.

The Future of Sex Technology (Spoiler: It’s Already Here)

Even if you’ve never heard of the term "sextech," chances are, you’re already using it. Swiping right on a dating app? That’s sex technology. Fertility trackers? Sextech. Tuning into an AI-powered sexual wellness coach? Yup, that too. Our very own Popstar supplements fit under the umbrella of sextech. From remote intimacy devices to digital sexual wellness tools, sextech is more integrated into daily life than most people realize.

Blame it on the Puritans, but in the U.S., sex has always been wrapped in a thick, awkward layer of shame. Even though sex is a fundamental part of the human experience, it remains one of society’s last great taboos. But attitudes are shifting—fast.

Instead of framing conversations around sexual desire and pleasure alone, the conversation is expanding to include sexual health and wellness. Sex technology innovations are helping to destigmatize these discussions, making way for more open conversations about how intimacy and tech can work together.

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A Pandemic-Fueled Sexual Revolution

The COVID-19 pandemic forced people into isolation, exposing just how much we rely on human connection. In those lonely days, technology stepped up in new ways, including within the sextech industry. Virtual reality sex, teledildonics (yes, that’s a real word), and other remote intimacy devices saw a spike in usage as people sought out new ways to connect. In the annals of sextech history, it may come to pass that the dark days of 2020 - 2021 will be forever known as the start of the next sexual revolution.

With the rise of sex tech startups, we’re seeing a wave of innovations focused on making intimacy more accessible, comfortable, and connected. As society increasingly recognizes sexual wellness as a crucial aspect of overall health, the future of intimacy tech is only getting started.

A Venture Worth Taking: Sex Tech Investment is Heating Up

It’s no coincidence that large investment firms are starting to pour money into the sextech sector. The sextech market is projected to hit $122 billion by 2024 . That’s right—sex technology is big business. However, the industry still faces major hurdles. Many mainstream banks, software companies, and advertising platforms refuse to work with sextech startups, citing “no adult content” policies.

However, many believe we’re about to see the emergence of companies who specifically cater to sextech companies. To understand what that might look like, we only need to look as far as the legal cannabis industry. Once state laws loosened to allow for legal marijuana sales, a whole cottage industry of cannabis-focused businesses started to boom, including banks, advertising agencies, law firms and agricultural supply companies.

Where there’s demand, there’s innovation. The sextech industry is on the brink of a financial breakthrough, with investors eyeing sex tech trends as the next major frontier. Aubrie Pagano, a partner at XFactor Ventures, predicts a 10% year-over-year growth in sextech. In a Forbes interview, she explains, “The current cultural climate has created a window to shake up this moth-eaten market with new, innovative thinking and design.” And while the industry has historically been geared toward cisgender men, there’s a new emphasis on female, non-binary and LGBTQ+ consumers.

What About the Robots?!

Let’s get to the part everyone’s really curious about: AI sex robots.

The robots are cumming. Literally! The days of kitschy, plastic blow-up dolls are over. Modern sexbots are hyper-realistic, AI-powered, and designed for more than just physical pleasure—they’re built for companionship, too. These lifelike androids can carry on a conversation with you, laugh at your jokes and respond to your touch. Barcelona boasts the world’s first sex doll brothel, where customers can spend time with these lifelike androids for about 100 euros an hour.

AI is also revolutionizing smart sex toys. Many of these sex technology innovations are app-based, Bluetooth-enabled, and allow users to sync with partners remotely. Some can even learn your preferences over time, adapting to provide a more personalized experience. They're also moving in a more gender-neutral and non-binary direction with more and more options focusing on the needs of marginalized communities.

And let’s not forget 3D printing. With open-source software and easy access to digital design, people can now create their own customized sex toys at home. This shift is democratizing sextech, making innovation accessible to a wider audience. With a diverse community of creators who are willing to share their patterns online, the sky’s the limit for innovation and cost-savings.

The Future is Bright (and a Little Freaky)

Sextech is evolving rapidly, and we’re here for it. As a company that specializes in men’s sexual health, Popstar Labs is keeping a close eye on how sextech advancements can complement our mission of optimizing sexual wellness.

Because at the end of the day, whether it’s AI sex robots, remote intimacy devices, or the latest breakthroughs in teledildonics, one thing is clear: Sex is an essential part of human wellness. The more we integrate sexual health into the broader conversation about well-being, the healthier and happier we’ll all be.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sextech?

Sextech refers to any technology designed to enhance human sexuality, from dating apps to smart sex toys and virtual reality sex experiences.

Are AI sex robots real?

Yes! AI sex robots exist and are becoming more advanced, with some even designed for companionship.

What is teledildonics?

Teledildonics refers to internet-connected sex toys that allow for remote intimacy, often used in long-distance relationships.

Is sextech only about pleasure?

Not at all. Many sextech innovations focus on sexual health, wellness, accessibility, and emotional connection.

What’s the future of the sextech industry?

With ongoing advancements in AI, VR, and remote intimacy devices, the sextech market is expected to grow rapidly, offering new ways to enhance sexual well-being.