Buyers of robot that simulates emotions must agree not to have sex with it

There's been quite an outcry over the impending invention of complex, responsive sex robots, with campaigners asking for them to be banned.

Now, the creators of Pepper, the 'emotional robot' have asked buyers to sign a contract promising they won't debase the bot before they buy it.

They have forbidden users for creating 'sexy apps' for the robot, using it for sexual purposes or reprogramming it to stalk people.

The robot costs £1,300 to buy and £250 a month in rent, and is intended as a companion.

SoftBank, the company behind the robot, has included a clause in the ownership contract which states that using the robot for sexual purposes breaks this agreement.

They said: Pepper must not be used "for sexual activity and actions for the purpose of indecent acts, or acts for the purpose of meeting and dating and making acquaintance of the opposite sex."

Some people have already broken the agreement, and the trust of the creators, by programming the touchscreen hanging from its neck to show hanging virtual breasts.

Pepper is meant to be a friendly, non-sexual companion to live alongside humans.

It reads emotions, can give owners advice and make small talk, and can mimic human behaviour such as empathy, and even love.

The robot was designed to help address Japan's rapidly ageing population. The median age in the country is 46 - one of the world's highest - and its birth rate has slumped to a record low.

Pepper, which is four foot high, and weighs around four-and-a-half stone, can dance to music, bow in respect and move its arms in a convincing interpretation of human movement.