China is preparing to introduce what could become a groundbreaking development in reproductive science — a humanoid robot designed to host a fully functional artificial womb.
According to the Indian Times, the project is being driven by Guangzhou-based Kaiwa Technology and is expected to be unveiled in 2026. The initiative aims to integrate artificial womb technology into a robot capable of managing pregnancy from fertilisation through to childbirth.
Speaking at the World Robot Conference in Beijing, project lead Zhang Qifeng said the scientific groundwork has already been established, with researchers now focusing on creating an “interactive pregnancy” experience.
Artificial womb technology itself is not new. In 2017, scientists in the United States successfully sustained premature lambs for several weeks in so-called “biobags” that replicated the uterine environment. These systems use synthetic amniotic fluid and umbilical-like tubing to supply nutrients and oxygen.
What makes Kaiwa’s venture significant, however, is the goal of combining this technology with robotics to fully automate gestation. If successful, the pregnancy robot would represent the first of its kind, potentially reshaping human reproduction and offering an alternative to conventional surrogacy.
The company has estimated the cost of the solution at around 100,000 yuan (£11,000), significantly cheaper than traditional surrogacy arrangements. Experts say the technology could prove disruptive in China, where infertility rates have been rising in recent years.
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