Chinese scientists are working on 'pregnancy robot' with artificial womb to carry babies
Chinese tech firm Kaiwa Technology has announced a project that could redefine human reproduction: a humanoid robot equipped with an artificial womb.
According to the Economic Times, the "pregnancy robot," which was presented during the 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing, is targeting a 2026 market debut for a product priced under 100,000 yuan or more than P790,000.
The innovation was showcased by Kaiwa Technology founder Dr. Zhang Qifeng, an affiliate of Singapore's Nanyang Technological University.
Unlike a traditional incubator, this humanoid robot features an artificial womb embedded in its abdomen, "capable of replicating the entire process from conception to delivery," Zhang told Chinese outlet Kuai Ke Zhi.
The artificial womb would have artificial amniotic fluid, and the fetus would receive nutrients through a hose.
"The artificial womb technology is already in a mature stage, and now it needs to be implanted in the robot's abdomen so that a real person and the robot can interact to achieve pregnancy, allowing the fetus to grow inside," Zhang said.
This technology also aims to provide an alternative for individuals who wish to avoid the "physical and emotional burdens of biological gestation."
When asked about its ethical and legal issues, Zhang said, they have "held discussion forums with authorities in Guangdong Province and submitted related proposals while discussing policy and legislation."
On Aug. 15, China also kicked off its three-day-long sports showcase for humanoid robots. In the World Humanoid Robot Games, robots competed in sports like track and field, and table tennis, as well as tackled robot-specific challenges from sorting medicines and handling materials to cleaning services.
Analysts from investment company Morgan Stanley noted in a report earlier in August a surge in attendance to a recent robot conference from the general public compared to previous years. They said that this showed "how China, not just top government officials, has embraced the concept of embodied intelligence." (with reports from REUTERS)
