The first ‘Cybrothel’ has opened in Berlin, and this is why we are worried

The Cybrothel is a tech-led development of the conventional doll brothel, following the Japanese model

Berlin has introduced a groundbreaking establishment called Cybrothel, touted as the world's first immersive sex brothel.

This unique venue blends technology with ahem…. ‘intimate experiences’, offering a futuristic space where sex and VR innovation collide.

SexTech is evolving at an alarmingly rapid speed. It’s estimated that the sextech and sexual wellness market will reach a valuation of nearly $3.3 billion by 2033. It is currently “valued at around $576.5 million,” according to Future Market Insights.

Within Cybrothel's private confines, patrons can explore a variety of desires, fantasies, and connections through an array of real dolls, augmented reality, virtual reality, and purposefully designed experience rooms.

The masterminds behind Cybrothel are a diverse trio. Philipp Fussenegger, an award-winning Austrian director deeply involved in Berlin's underground fetish scene, co-founded this venture. Alongside him is Sujmo Akcali, she is a Berlin-based creative director with roots in the 90s Berlin underground art and music scene. Alexis Smiley Smith, a Berlin-based writer with a pro-sex feminist perspective, contributes her innovative imagination to Cybrothel's vision, merging human experiences with cutting-edge technology.

According to a statement on their website they are, “ a Berlin-based group of sex positive artists interested in creating a safe space for people to explore and connect with their desire and fantasy through the intersection of technology and our cast of pleasure doll characters.”

A room at Cybrothel

Patrons can indulge in a "Night Session" for €330, granting them exclusive access to a ‘LoveDoll’ in a private setting. This package includes amenities such as personal bathrooms, a balcony, and the option to stream pornographic content on a cinema screen.

The ‘sex dolls’ are not robots, but instead work alongside VR for the experience, “the audio and visual features create the effect we call ‘analogue AI’ to give the dolls a more elevated and playful character for real time interaction. We are working with using robotics in the future,” Cybrothel explains.

“Your chosen doll will welcome you at the check-in time of 10:30 pm and provide you with a brief introduction to all the details. Everything will be prepared for you, and you will receive your own key for re-entry,” they explain, “However, please respect that it is not allowed to bring anyone with you, and note that the building is under constant surveillance.”

Cybrothel's offerings extend beyond mere physical encounters. Their real-time interactive sex dolls boast VR, voice, distinct personalities, capable of seduction and satisfaction.

For additional enhancements, accessories like Love Swings or Vibrators can be added for under €30. Cybrothel has also introduced a service catered specifically to women, priced at €90. This offering includes stimulation through VR glasses, providing a unique perspective on adult content from a feminine viewpoint. By intertwining technology, intimacy, and sexual experiences, Cybrothel welcomes patrons to embrace a new era of pleasure and connection, ushering them into a bold and uncharted frontier of human experience.

That being said, there are several ethical, social, and psychological concerns associated with the concept of a Cybrothel, raising questions about its potential negative impact. Realistic female sex dolls, could perpetuate the objectification of women. Many critics argue that these dolls, which have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, reduce women to mere objects for pleasure, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and attitudes.

Cybrothels, especially those offering customized experiences, may encourage the escalation of sexual fantasies. Engaging in extreme or unrealistic fantasies could potentially desensitize individuals, making it difficult for them to find satisfaction in real-life, consensual relationships.

Cybrothels might contribute to a further commodification of intimacy and sex, potentially altering societal attitudes toward relationships and intimacy. This shift could have unforeseen consequences on social norms and values.

It's important to note that these concerns do not necessarily apply to every individual, and people's attitudes toward Cybrothels and similar innovations vary widely. However, these potential negative consequences highlight the need for careful consideration and regulation as society navigates the intersection of technology, intimacy, and ethics.