The modern history of sex dolls can be traced back to the late 19th century, when the first known sex doll was created by French artist and businessman, Theodore Arthur Kauffman. These early sex dolls were made of porcelain and were primarily used as art pieces. They were not intended for sexual use, but rather as a form of erotic art.

In the early 20th century, sex dolls began to be made out of rubber and other materials that were more durable and realistic. These dolls, which were often marketed as "Dutch Wives," were primarily used by men who were away from home, such as sailors or soldiers. They were intended to provide companionship and sexual release to men who were unable to be with real women.

During the 1950s and 1960s, sex dolls began to be made out of silicone, which allowed for more realistic and lifelike dolls. These dolls were often marketed as "love dolls" and were more expensive than their rubber predecessors. They were primarily used by men who were looking for a companion or sexual partner, and were intended to provide a more realistic and satisfying sexual experience.

In the 1970s and 1980s, sex dolls began to be made out of PVC and other materials that were even more realistic. These dolls were often marketed as "real dolls" and were even more expensive than the silicone dolls of the previous decade. They were primarily used by men who were looking for a realistic sexual partner, and were intended to provide an even more realistic and satisfying sexual experience.

In the 1990s and 2000s, sex dolls began to be made out of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) which was more flexible and realistic than PVC. These dolls were often marketed as "ultra-realistic" and were even more expensive than the PVC dolls of the previous decade. They were primarily used by men who were looking for the most realistic sexual partner possible, and were intended to provide the most realistic and satisfying sexual experience possible.

In recent years, advances in technology have led to the creation of sex dolls that are even more realistic and lifelike than ever before. These dolls, which are often made out of advanced materials such as silicone and TPE, are equipped with motors and sensors that allow them to move and respond to touch. Some of these dolls even have artificial intelligence and can hold conversations or respond to voice commands. This makes them more interactive and closer to real human interaction.

The market for sex dolls has also grown in recent years, with more and more companies entering the market and creating dolls that are tailored to different preferences and desires. Some companies have even started to create dolls that are customized to the specific preferences of individual customers, this includes dolls of different races, body types, and even dolls with disabilities. This has broadened the scope of customers who can have access to a sex doll.

On the other hand, some argue that sex dolls can have a positive impact on individuals and society as a whole. They can provide a safe and healthy outlet for sexual expression, and can help individuals who may have difficulty forming relationships or who may be in a situation where they cannot be with a real partner.