China is on the brink of unveiling a humanoid robot capable of hosting a fully functioning artificial womb, in what could mark a revolutionary leap in reproductive science.
The project, led by Guangzhou-based Kaiwa Technology, is scheduled for debut in 2026, according to a report by Indian Times on Monday.
Speaking at the World Robot Conference in Beijing, project lead Zhang Qifeng disclosed that the scientific groundwork has already been laid, with the next phase focused on integrating the artificial womb into a humanoid robot to enable what he described as “interactive pregnancy.”
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Artificial wombs are not entirely new. They mimic the uterine environment using synthetic amniotic fluid and an umbilical-like tube for oxygen and nutrient supply. In 2017, U.S. scientists successfully kept premature lambs alive for weeks inside such “biobags,” demonstrating the technology’s viability.
What sets Kaiwa’s innovation apart, however, is its ambition to create a robot capable of managing the entire reproductive process, from fertilisation to full-term birth.
The solution, expected to cost around 100,000 yuan (£11,000), is significantly cheaper than traditional surrogacy. Experts say it could become a disruptive alternative amid rising infertility rates, particularly in China.