How Teledildonics Are Shaping the Future of Intimacy — And What Kiiroo's Research Reveals
From discreet vibrators to smart masturbatory sleeves, sex toys have come a long way from the analog devices of the past.
Today, they’re not only widely accepted. They’re increasingly intelligent, connected, and capable of transforming how we experience intimacy, especially across distances.
This evolution is at the heart of a recent article published by The Conversation, titled “Internet-enabled orgasms: How teledildonics are changing the way we have sex”.
The piece explores how teledildonics (interactive, internet-connected sex toys) are reshaping not only pleasure but our understanding of sexual wellness.
We’re proud to share that Kiiroo played a key role in the research featured in the article.
Through an academic collaboration with the Université du Québec à Montréal, Kiiroo’s customer base helped uncover new insights into why people use teledildonic devices and how they may enhance sexual well-being.
From Personal Use to Connected Experiences
Sex toys have never been more popular or accessible.
Studies show that over 40% of heterosexual Americans have used vibrators, and in countries like Germany, usage rates can exceed 50%.
But beyond vibrators and dildos lies a growing category of connected devices, teledildonics. These are designed to mimic real-life touch, sync with virtual experiences, and offer intimacy even when physical proximity isn’t possible.
Whether controlled by a partner across the globe, synced with adult content, or paired with VR headsets, these devices are rewriting the rules of what intimacy can look like in a digital world.
But do they make a difference when it comes to actual sexual satisfaction and well-being?
The First Study of Its Kind — Powered by Kiiroo Users
To explore this question, the research team at Université du Québec à Montréal conducted a landmark study of 617 men, ages 19 to 75, all of whom were Kiiroo customers.
Kiiroo’s marketing team assisted in recruiting participants, making this the first study of its kind to examine the real-life experiences of teledildonic users, particularly men using devices like interactive sleeves and strokers.
Most participants resided in North America and Europe, with a smaller portion from Asia, Australia, and Central America.
In terms of use, nearly all participants reported using their Kiiroo device solo, but 21% had also used them with a partner.
Interestingly, those who used teledildonics in partnered sex owned more devices and had more sexual partners overall, suggesting that sexual confidence may increase openness to exploring shared sex tech experiences.
Most notably, men who used teledildonics with a partner reported higher sexual well-being, including:
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Greater sexual desire
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More ease in reaching orgasm during partnered sex
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Increased confidence as a sexual partner
Why Are People Using Teledildonics?
Beyond the data on partnered versus solo use, the study also explored why men choose to use these devices. The motivations were nuanced and meaningful:
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57% used teledildonics to relax or relieve stress
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51% used them to enhance arousal during masturbation
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51% said they used the devices to explore fantasies not possible in real life
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38% were drawn to the ability to connect their device with other technologies, like VR or synced adult content
These findings show that while the devices are highly technical, the core motivations are deeply human: connection, curiosity, comfort, and confidence.
What This Means for the Future of Sex
The results of this research are promising, not only for Kiiroo as a pioneer in the space, but for the wider discussion around inclusive, tech-enabled sexual wellness.
The study suggests that teledildonics could be especially impactful for people dealing with challenges such as:
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Long-distance relationships
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Physical disabilities or mobility limitations
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Anxiety or discomfort with in-person intimacy
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Sexual dysfunction
But this new frontier also brings important conversations around ethics, privacy, and digital consent. As with any connected technology, developers must ensure robust data security and clear permissions to prevent misuse or unwanted access.
At Kiiroo, we take these responsibilities seriously—building in encrypted connections, user control, and consent-based syncing features to protect our community.
Kiiroo’s Commitment to Feeling More
At the heart of all this innovation is a simple truth: everyone deserves to feel connected to themselves, to their partners, and to their desires.
We’re honored to see our community and products featured in an academic exploration of that connection, and we’ll continue working to build technology that empowers it.
As teledildonics continues to grow, so will the research, tools, and possibilities. And Kiiroo will be right there at the intersection of science, intimacy, and innovation.
