The history of sex dolls is a truly intriguing and somewhat varied tale, touching on many developments and social transformations throughout history. While it's virtually impossible to credit one single individual as the inventor of sex dolls, the history can be traced to many different starting points and inspirations. Below is a full overview:The history of sex dolls is a truly intriguing and somewhat varied tale, touching on many developments and social transformations throughout history. While it's virtually impossible to credit one single individual as the inventor of sex dolls, the history can be traced to many different starting points and inspirations. Below is a full overview:
From: Joyotoy
Early Beginnings
16th Century: The "Dame de Voyage"
The first sex dolls are recorded in the 16th century. Sailors used crude handmade dolls called the "dame de voyage" or "dama de viaje" ("travelling lady" in French/Spanish) fashioned out of leather and fabric which acted as a companion and substitute during long voyages at sea.
19th Century: The "Artificial Venus"
In the 19th century, more developed sex dolls were created using leather and rubber called "artificial Venus". These were still rather rudimentary compared to modern dolls, but marked a shift towards more realistic models and materials.
Modern Times
1930s: The inflatable doll
The modern era of sex dolls begins in the 1930s with the creation of the inflatable doll made out of rubber which was eventually superseded by PVC (polyvinyl chloride). It was portable and cheaper.
1940s: German and Japanese Innovations
The Nazis allegedly commissioned sex dolls for soldiers during World War II although there is no concrete evidence for this (preventing the spread of STDs). Japanese inventors developed a refined version in the post-war era, the Dutch wife which rose to popularity in the 1960s and 70s.
Modern Technological Development
1980s: The silicon doll
Silicon was introduced in the 1980s giving love dolls a much more realistic look and feel compared to the latex and PVC of older models. Matt McMullen founded the highly regarded Realdoll in 1996 creating luxury silicon dolls of a superior quality and with infinite customizing potential.
21st Century: The TPE and robotic doll
Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) is a material which offers even greater softness and flexibility than silicon, and thus gained significant popularity in the 2000s. Increasingly sex dolls are equipped with AI technology enabling them to provide conversational companionship. Matt McMullen, the founder of Realdoll and Realbotix, is at the forefront of this new development of the fully responsive 'love doll'.
Key Figures and Companies
Matt McMullen
Founder of both Realdoll and Realbotix, McMullen is considered a significant figure in the sex doll industry due to his creation of premium silicon love dolls and more recently AI robotic companions.
Orient Industry
Founded in 1977, this Japanese company specialises in producing realistic silicon dolls. Orient has established itself as a leading producer of high-quality love dolls, in Japan and on an international scale.
Other well-known manufacturers:
WM Dolls (TPE dolls, offering high levels of customisation)
Abyss Creations (Realdoll's parent company, a creator of premium silicon dolls)
Social and Cultural Aspect of the Sex Doll
Society's attitudes to sex dolls have often paralleled people's attitudes toward sexuality and technology itself. In their earliest forms love dolls were primarily for sexual fulfillment during a period when sexuality and desire was widely considered taboo. Attitudes towards sex dolls has relaxed somewhat in more recent times reflecting current trends and increasing acceptance of sexual freedom and development of advanced technology; they are no longer just for sexual release but for companionship and emotional support.
Taboo and Acceptance
While once looked down upon the love doll is now accepted in society for sexual reasons, as companionship or for the provision of emotional support in the way of conversation via advanced artificial intelligence systems.
Incorporating technology
The evolution of the sex doll into advanced robotic companions has naturally sparked controversy regarding the relationship between human beings and artificial intelligence, and in particular our intimate relationships.
In Conclusion
The story of the sex doll is one of a long and complex journey through various societies, technologies, and ideas. From humble sailing dildos to futuristic AI lovers, the journey of the sex doll has undoubtedly been a fascinating one. Trailblazers such as Matt McMullen, along with influential companies like Realdoll and Orient Industry, continue to push the boundaries of realism and interactivity in modern real dolls. With ever-evolving technologies the love dolls of the future are likely to be even more advanced and convincing companions, further blurring the line between human and artificial relationship and intimacy.
