Between 2017 and 2018, Europe saw a surge of sex doll brothels opening in cities from London to Helsinki. Businesses like Xdolls in Paris and Lumidolls in Barcelona piqued public curiosity, promising a judgement-free experience with realistic, silicone playmates.
However, most folded quickly, citing limited demand and regulatory challenges. Today, only two have persevered: Naughty Harbor in Prague and Cybrothel in Berlin. And with the closure of Dortmund’s Bordoll in 2023, Cybrothel is now the only sex doll brothel in all of Germany.
It’s arguably Cybrothel’s multidisciplinary approach to artificial companionship that sets it apart. Rather than simply offering dolls for clients to have sex with, Cybrothel incorporates emerging technologies, like virtual reality and artificial intelligence, pushing the boundaries of these interactions.
Founded in 2020 by filmmaker Philipp Fussenegger, writer Alexis Smiley Smith and artist Sujmo Akcali, Cybrothel began as an art project before evolving into an operational business in 2021. “I hope you can still see it,” says Fussenegger, reflecting on the sex doll brothel’s artistic origins. “I put a lot of creativity into discovering new ways and new services.”
Situated in a private residence in Friedrichshain, the space offers clients fully immersive sessions that blend the physical with fantasy. Clients choosing the ‘Full Option’ can engage with interactive dolls, an experience brought to life by human voice actors operating from an external control room. “The sex doll is almost alive. When you come in, she speaks to you,” says Fussenegger.
Each doll has a distinct persona, from mainstream blonde Paris to blue-skinned scientist Liara. “I try to release every one or two months a new doll with a new character, new shapes and forms,” says Fussenegger. Clients who prefer a more private experience can opt for the ‘Basic Option’ without any enhancements or an overnight stay.
The sex doll is almost alive. When you come in, she speaks to you.
Beyond dolls, Cybrothel clients can partake in mixed-reality gaming experience Cherry VX, created by Polybay, or immerse themselves in BaDoinkVR videos, which combine visual elements with touch for heightened realism. According to Fussenegger, most of Cybrothel’s technology is developed in-house by sex tech entrepreneur Matthias Smetana. Smetana is currently focused on Sex AI, an initiative that, as described on their website, “seeks to redefine human intimacy”.
Despite this approach, Cybrothel’s path hasn’t been easy. Fussenegger acknowledges that while he’s “absolutely not worrying” about closing, the business has faced financial turbulence, which he attributes to the challenges of navigating an unconventional industry. “It’s not easy to find the clients and it’s a very complex topic with sex robots and love dolls – handling, caring, preparing the sessions,” he explains.
A loyal customer base has helped Cybrothel survive. Surveys conducted by Cybrothel’s team indicate that most clients are in relationships and seek an experience they don’t consider infidelity. Fussenegger notes that clients appreciate Cybrothel’s discrete setting, allowing them to “have a peace of mind”.
Some even bring their partners for a “threesome light”, allowing them to explore together. “It’s a shame-free environment where people can try out stuff,” Fussenegger says. “It’s self-care that we offer there. You can be with your own sexuality there and focus on your needs.”
We don’t need a brothel licence because there’s no sex between human to human.
Sexual futurist M. Christian suggests Cybrothel’s Berlin location also contributes to its success. “To Cybrothel’s benefit, Berlin’s not exactly unfamiliar with adult entertainment experiences,” they explain. “In my opinion, high-tech brothels would best stick to more open and accepting cities rather than trying to plead their case to local governments looking to score with conservative voters.”
Fussenegger clarifies that Cybrothel operates as a “sex tech company”, not a traditional Prostitutionsgewerbe, or sex work, sparing it from typical Berlin regulations. “We don’t need a brothel licence,” he explains, “because there’s no sex between human to human … We were also not sure when we started in Berlin because [the government] couldn’t tell us exactly if this is correct. But I decided to do it, and we never had a complaint. We’re in contact with the Ordnungsamt, it’s all fine.”
Cybrothel’s future plans include shifting from dolls to robots, which Fussenegger believes can offer more for clients. “I want to completely move from sex dolls to sex robots,” he says, noting that robots, unlike dolls, could “touch you, move around, have sucking vaginas, heat up – all those things.” Though prototypes like Kokeshi 2.0 are already available, durability remains an obstacle.
The Friedrichshain sex doll brothel is collaborating with suppliers in China to develop more robust models. In addition, they are actively working on plans to franchise, with sights set on Switzerland, Amsterdam and Cologne. The team is already talking with investors about transplanting Cybrothel’s model to other cities.
As Europe’s sex doll brothel landscape narrows, Cybrothel’s focus on technology may represent a sustainable model, hinting that the once-novel concept of intimacy with AI-enhanced silicone partners could someday be a thriving industry.
