Android Strippers Entertain Crowds at CES 2018

People typically think of the Consumer Electoronics Show (CES 2018) as a scientific event. Think of a tech showcase for the benefit of the consumer. People flock from all over the world to Las Vegas to see innovations in cars, household electronics and — for the first time in CES history — android strippers. We can consider strippers as beneficial to the consumer then.

CES 2018, Android Strippers on Show at Las Vegas

These robots aren’t necessarily new. Artist Giles Walker created the androids in 2012. They have been rented out several times since. According to the artist, they are a comment on “the relationship between voyeurism and power.” At another show in 2016, he questioned whether the stripper or the audience possesses power. Walker built the androids out of the assorted car and mannequin parts and attached CCTV cameras as their heads. Audiences gave the robots mixed reviews, saying they liked the idea but preferred actual human dancers. Watch a short clip of these robots via Sapphire Las Vegas YouTube account seen below.

Androids and the Uncanny Valley

People have some really weird fetishes. According to the Mirror, in 2017, a woman from California loved a train station so much, she married it. Compared to that, robots with cameras for heads pale in comparison. That said, not everyone enjoys this degree of mimicry. For those who don’t know what the uncanny valley is, this is for you.

Masahiro Mori coined the term “Uncanny valley” in 1970. It refers to a tendency for people to see things that simulate humans as endearing, but only up to a certain extent. Too lifelike, and positive feedback drops to the point of aversion. Case in point, take a look at this smiley.

Aww, how cute. It’s a ball with a face. Now take a look at Tara the Android

Point taken? You either love or hate how these robots look. Personally, I feel I lean closer to the latter.

Do You Want Skynet? This is How You Get Skynet

Remember The Terminator? Classic, that one. Besides being one of the best films of all time, it also rang alarm bells about the dangers of uninhibited scientific research. Nobody wants to be blown up by a T-800 wielding a rocket launcher. But if Skynet does go online, and these dancers start picking up machine guns, well… at least our robot overlords will be sexy? Maybe?

Fortunately, these androids do not use AI or cognitive software. They can’t connect to the Internet either, so we’re safe for the time being. Instead, they use preprogrammed dance moves with which they entertain crowds.

The androids will be on show at the Sapphire Gentlemen’s Club until January 13.