Robot with an artificial womb for pregnancy and childbirth

Robot with an artificial womb for pregnancy

A robot with an artificial womb for pregnancy and childbirth on behalf of women sparks controversy

An innovation unveiled by the Chinese company Kaihua Technology has sparked widespread controversy in scientific and ethical circles. The company announced the development of the world's first robot equipped with an artificial womb, capable of completing pregnancy and childbirth on behalf of women.

The idea was promoted during the World Robotics Conference 2025 in Beijing, where company founder Zhang Zhifeng explained that the robot simulates the entire process from fertilization to birth, with the ability to carry the fetus for up to 10 months in an artificial amniotic fluid environment and feed it through a tube that mimics the umbilical cord. The conference also featured the first artificial intelligence-powered mating robot, a move that reflects China's drive to integrate artificial intelligence with biotechnology in various fields.

The prototype is expected to be available on the market by 2026, priced at less than 100,000 yuan (approximately $13,900), and targets those who wish to avoid the physical burdens of pregnancy or those facing infertility issues.

 The announcement sparked a split between those who viewed it as a glimmer of hope for reproductive medicine and those who warned of its ethical and legal repercussions. Zhang stated that the project is under discussion with authorities in Guangdong Province to determine the appropriate legislative and regulatory framework.

It's worth noting that the idea of artificial wombs is not new. In 2017, researchers at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia successfully nurtured a sheep fetus in a "biobag" until full-term development. However, experts believe that transitioning from late-stage embryo support to full-term pregnancy remains a major scientific challenge.