Researchers in China are working on a human-birthing robot, which could change the field of reproductive science for many people.
The robot will grow the baby human through the entire process from fertilization to birth through an artificial womb which gives the baby nutrients through tubes. Scientists want to make the artificial womb to stage the change of natural human pregnancy. The robot will mimic natural womb environments, so that the fetus will grow safely inside.
Kaiwa Technology in Guangzhou, China, is developing the robot, with Dr. Zhang Qifeng leading the project. He is based at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, but Dr. Zhang has a master’s degree in biology from Xi’an Jiaotong University and a PhD from the University of Otago in New Zealand.
Dr. Zhang has stated that the technology is almost ready, and they are preparing to implant the womb system into the robot’s abdomen. They would like a real person to interact with the robot’s inner workings while it is carrying the baby human throughout the entire gestation period.
Developers are expecting to test and develop the robot’s working prototype in 2026 at a cost of about 100,000 yuan (around $14,000 USD). This technology could help couples have children, support people facing infertility or pregnancy complications, and assist single individuals who want to become parents.
Infertility is an issue that affects about 15% of couples globally. The human birth robot could provide one more reasonable option for couples struggling to conceive through natural conception. It also builds off prior work, like a 2017 study that gestated lambs in artificial wombs.
Many experts are worried about any new technology. The three main worries seem straightforward. First, where will the egg and sperm come from? Second, can emotional bonding happen without a mother? Third, will the child have psychological stamina? Dr. Zhang’s team is writing regulations with Guangdong authorities. They are trying to settle the structure of the policies for the use of the robot.
The research team is planning further testing and legal approval prior to release, to ensure everything is within required regulation. This robot may possibly change how we think as humans about pregnancy and parenting in the future.
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