2026 could see robots giving birth to human babies

Kaiwa Technology — a Guangzhou-based tech firm — has announced plans for a robot it calls a “gestation robot”; a humanoid designed to carry a human fetus and give birth to it in due time. This controversial plan, presented by the company's founder at the 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing, aims to offer an alternative to couples or individuals who wish to avoid biological pregnancy.

The company says the robot would have an artificial womb in its abdomen, inside which a fetus would develop. The womb will use a synthetic amniotic fluid, and nutrients will be delivered to the fetus through a tube. The CEO — Dr. Zhang Qifeng — claims the core of the technology is already at a “mature stage”. He anticipates a prototype will be available next year with an estimated cost of $14,000. Medical experts are already criticizing the fact that this bold claim of Kaiwa Technology is not backed by a detailed explanation. The firm has conveniently left out details on how it plans to overcome all the challenges of supporting a fetus from the early stages of fertilization and implantation, to birth.

The announcement has triggered negative public reaction, with critics raising concerns about the absence of maternal connection and the inability to replicate maternal hormones. However, a few are arguing in favor of the development, stating the potential it has to liberate women from the stress and risk associated with pregnancy. The company says it is already in discussion with authorities to clear the legal hurdles it has to face.