The history of sex dolls is complex and spans centuries, with no single “inventor.” Here’s a brief overview of how sex dolls evolved:
Early Origins
- 16th Century:
Sailors are believed to have created the first rudimentary “sex dolls,” called “dames de voyage” or “traveling ladies.” These were made from cloth and used during long voyages.
20th Century Developments
- World War II (1940s):
There’s a myth that Nazi Germany developed sex dolls for soldiers to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. However, this story lacks credible historical evidence. - 1960s-1970s:
The development of modern inflatable sex dolls began with the rise of the adult toy industry. These were primarily made of vinyl or rubber.
Modern Sex Dolls
- 1980s and Beyond:
Companies began using silicone and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) to create more realistic and customizable dolls.- The RealDoll brand, launched in the 1990s by Matt McMullen, revolutionized the industry with hyper-realistic, life-sized dolls made from advanced materials.
Technological Advances
- In recent years, sex dolls have incorporated robotics and AI, making them more interactive. Companies like RealDoll and AI-Tech have pioneered robotic sex dolls with features such as speech and facial expressions.
Sex dolls, as we know them today, are the result of centuries of innovation and cultural influences rather than the invention of a single individual.