The idea of artificial partners—both romantic and sexual—emerged long before modern robotics, appearing in mythologies such as the Greek tale of Pygmalion and later in 18th- and 19th-century automata designed to mimic human gestures. The modern concept of love and sex robots developed alongside advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, and synthetic materials during the late 20th century. Early prototypes appeared in the 1990s as part of the growing sex-tech industry, but it wasn’t until the 2010s that companies began marketing humanoid robots capable of simulated conversation, facial expressions, and personalized interaction. These devices evolved from static dolls into programmable companions shaped by developments in machine learning and social robotics—fields originally designed for caregiving, therapy, and assistive technology. Parallel to this, virtual companions in video games and AI chatbots blurred the line between emotional simulation and real intimacy, influencing public perceptions of human–machine relationships. Today, love and sex robots occupy a space between technological innovation and cultural imagination, tied to broader trends in loneliness, digital communication, and the commercialization of intimacy. The debate sits within this evolving history, shaped by shifting norms around relationships, identity, and the role of technology in daily life.