China is developing the world’s first humanoid pregnancy robot capable of carrying a baby from conception to birth using an artificial womb. The project, led by Dr. Zhang Qifeng of Kaiwa Technology and unveiled at the 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing, aims to offer an alternative to human surrogacy, which is banned in China.
The robot features an artificial womb implanted in its abdomen, where the fetus grows in synthetic amniotic fluid and receives nutrients through a tube mimicking the umbilical cord. Parents can even interact with the fetus during the pregnancy.
A prototype is expected by 2026 with a target price of about 100,000 yuan (around $14,000 USD). While supporters see it as revolutionary for reproductive health and infertility solutions, critics raise ethical and medical concerns, including the absence of maternal bonding and unknown long-term effects.
This innovation marks a major leap beyond traditional incubators, potentially reshaping the future of childbirth and surrogacy worldwide.
