Robotics is taking charge of almost all fields. Robotics startups are broadening the horizon of entrepreneurship and some ideas they bring forth are breaking even social taboos. CES revoking its Innovation Award to sex tech company Lora DiCarlo and the controversy that ensued prove that robotics can help debunk some of the deep-rooted notions.
Oregon-based Lora DiCarlo is a female-led, female-focused startup bringing robotics into the sex toy market. Its hands-free sexual stimulator Osé has taken the world by storm. Osé uses biomimicry and micro-robotic technology to mimic the women sensation.
Lora DiCarlo, the company geared toward women’s sexual health, made news when it was awarded the prestigious Innovation Award by Consumer Technology Association. The CTA in an afterthought took away the award saying the award to the micro-robotic sex toy was inappropriate. The news only got Lora DiCarlo and its CEO Lora Haddock positive press and exposure. Haddock argued that women’s sexuality is still a taboo for tech and wanted CTA to do some serious soul-searching about it. The dispute turned into a marketing opportunity for Lora DiCarlo and Osé became a symbol of gender equality. After igniting a heated controversy, the CES returned the award to Osé and Lora DiCarlo even secured $2 million funding. Osé will retail for $290 and is all set to begin shipping this autumn.
