China is advancing reproductive technology with the development of a humanoid robot capable of carrying a pregnancy using an artificial womb.
Led by Dr. Zhang Qifeng of Kaiwa Technology, affiliated with Nanyang Technological University, the project aims to replicate the full human gestation process. The prototype is expected by 2026, with a projected cost of about 100,000 yuan (roughly $14,000).
The initiative comes as infertility rates in China have risen, reaching 18% in 2020, prompting authorities to expand support for fertility treatments like IVF. Dr. Zhang has held discussions with Guangdong officials to address ethical, legal, and societal considerations surrounding the technology.
The robot is designed to provide an alternative for couples struggling with infertility, though experts note that the project raises significant ethical questions about replacing natural human pregnancy.
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