I've done quite a bit of research on sex dolls for a documentary I was planning but I never finished. This is a subject that has always fascinated me as I have an interest in robotics and A1. The sex doll and A1 technology has improved to a point now where some of these dolls really look.. and in some cases act... human.
There's a company down in Oceanside CA that makes dolls that actually move and talk to you and learn through A1 how to respond to your responses. The higher tech dolls can cost up to 10K and even higher.
The standard high end non-robotic dolls usually run from $1500-$3500 depending on what options you choose. The materials they are made of feel like real skin. You can choose from hundreds of models of beautiful girls of all types and styles, from sophisticated supermodels to downright sleazy. There are female and male sex dolls and they are anatomically correct. The dolls are quite heavy and hard to move around easily and do require a commitment to keep clean and store properly.
Some come complete with heaters, though the heat is in the sex organ areas only, the 'skin' of the rest of the body, limbs and face remain cool to the touch. I'm sure they are working on the skin temperature issue as you are reading this.
It is important to do your research before purchasing a sex doll. There are a lot of rip-off companies in China that make inferior quality products. Use a reputable dealer who has a history of good customer service, reliable communication and established integrity.
As robotics and A1 improve, I'm certain we will reach a point where the line between a real partner and a robotic one will come close enough to make it a much more realistic experience than it is now, and some men say that having a sex doll has changed their life dramatically for the better. Still there is a lot of stigma attached to using one, as would be expected. I think that will change over time as we come to accept alternate reality simulations as part of our daily life and recreational fun.
There are also TER-like review sites where users have used, reviewed and rated the many hundreds of sex dolls available! {"She just laid there" LOL}
For myself, I have never personally tried a sex doll and doubt I ever will as I'd much prefer the valued interaction with a real life lady with whom i can converse and share intimacy, even if for only a few hours.
Of course, nothing will ever replace a real person. But it is a fascinating area of technology that introduces interesting questions about our sexuality and the line between fantasy and reality.
For further study I recommend:
http://www.realdoll.com/ -
http://www.siliconwives.com/ -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_doll