Technology
CES sex technology needs to conquer the barriers to pleasure
Liz Klinger felt disqualified when its intelligent vibrator Lioness, the world's largest technology exhibition, was barred from exhibiting at CES in 2017. But, that didn't deter her.
She told CES that the world knows creative consumer technology, so one year later, with the aid of her college contacts, Lioness CEO snuck into her stand. The "sweet group of people" didn't say who allowed the start-up to use their cabinet.
The turning point for sex innovations in CES was this year. The Consumer Technology Association, which is responsible for the giant exhibition, officially allowed companies in sex technology to be included in a trial within the health and wellness community.
Around a dozen exhibiting companies in software extravagancia, ranged from vibrators, a heating lube manufacturer, a kegel trainer that combines with an app, and a Band-Aid-like contravention to stymia premature ejaculations, had to prove that they were "innovative and comprised modern or emerging software."
The decision to formally attend CES was taken after organizers were criticized for revoking an invention award in 2019 for the Osé, a sex-robot system for simultaneous clitoral and G-spot orgasms in women. Lora DiCarlo, the leading group, objected that VR porn and sex robots for men have in the past thanked the CES for their preference.
CTA reversed the decision to withhold the prize in May 2019.
Jean Foster, Senior Vice President of Marketing and communications for CTA, said in a statement that "CTA hasn't managed to treat this award properly."
Sex technology founders confirmed that their appearance at this year's CES 2020 show is just the beginning. They want to start a dialogue on sexual well-being, stressing that people have nothing to worry about.
"Laughter is the missing piece of the puzzle that many of us don't know about, as a whole," Klinger said.
One user of Lioness, she said, found out that her orgasm was impaired by a concussion.
Externally, the sex technology industry also has walls, including items in large retail stores or media attention. Advertisements for their products are often refused by social networks like Facebook or Instagram.
"It's opening one of the floodgates with this [CES] update," said Klinger.
