Would YOU use a robot surrogate? China develops the world’s first ‘pregnancy humanoid’ that’s capable of giving birth to a live baby

It’s a concept that currently only exists in sci–fi movies.

But scientists in China are developing the world’s first ‘pregnancy robot’ capable of carrying a baby to term and giving birth.

The humanoid will be equipped with an artificial womb that receives nutrients through a hose, experts said.

A prototype is expected to be released next year, with a selling price of around 100,000 yuan (£10,000).

Dr Zhang Qifeng, who founded the company Kaiwa Technology, is developing the machine.

The device he envisions is not simply an incubator but a humanoid that can replicate the entire process from conception to delivery, Asian media outlets report.

He said the artificial womb technology is already in a ‘mature stage’ and now needs to be implanted in the robot’s abdomen, ‘so that a real person and the robot can interact to achieve pregnancy’.

With regards to ethical and legal issues, he said: ‘We have held discussion forums with authorities in Guangdong Province and submitted related proposals while discussing policy and legislation.’