The Industrial Revolution (18th–19th centuries) played a crucial role in the development of the modern sex doll industry, as technological innovations, mass production, and new materials made it possible to create more sophisticated and accessible versions of sex dolls. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, sex dolls were typically handmade and were relatively rare, often crafted from leather, wood, or cloth.
With the advent of industrialization, production techniques advanced rapidly. The ability to mass-produce items using molds and more refined materials meant that objects like rubber, silicone, and later latex, could be used to create more lifelike and durable dolls. These materials revolutionized the design and realism of sex dolls, making them more affordable and widely available, particularly in the Western world.
By the mid-20th century, advances in both materials and manufacturing allowed for sex dolls that closely resembled human forms, with flexible joints, realistic textures, and even facial features. The broader industrialization of consumer products also contributed to the normalization of sex toys, including sex dolls, as part of the growing sexual liberation movements of the 1960s and 1970s.
While sex dolls were once seen as niche items, the Industrial Revolution made them more accessible to a wider population, marking the beginning of the modern sex doll industry. Today, high-end models are produced using cutting-edge materials and techniques, allowing for highly customizable dolls designed to meet the specific needs and desires of users.