For years, people have warned about the dangers of machines for human life and how advanced technology has become. Now, our worst fears have come true: scientists have just created a robot capable of gestating human babies. And not only does it sound terrifying—it works in one of the most unsettling ways possible.
For decades, humanity has dedicated itself to creating machines of all kinds, from the most advanced cell phones and computers to robots that help us with almost everything, gradually replacing humans in both everyday tasks and jobs. But now, technology has gone far beyond that. Dr. Zhang Qifeng of Nanyang Technological University, and CEO of Kaiwa Technology, has developed a robot capable of gestating human babies. Yes, the nightmare we feared has arrived: women could one day be replaced in the process of pregnancy.
The Chilling Machine That Can Conceive Humans
Recently, Dr. Zhang Qifeng revealed that his company is close to finishing the first humanoid robot—or more precisely, an artificial incubator—designed to carry a baby for 10 months and eventually give birth. This controversial machine contains an artificial uterus and could cost significantly less than surrogacy.
So far, the artificial womb and robot have been tested on animals, with successful results. The machine can carry the fetus, while the umbilical cord is connected to a special tube that delivers all the necessary nutrients to the developing baby.
The Chinese-born doctor explained that, if everything goes according to plan, the robot could be available on the market as early as next year. It is estimated that couples wishing to use the service would pay around $14,000 USD. In comparison, surrogacy in the United States can cost between $100,000 and $200,000 USD.
However, while the announcement is already frightening enough, the exact method of how the egg is implanted into the artificial uterus remains a mystery. It has not been revealed whether the fertilization process would occur through a test tube, a special material, or even direct interaction between the man and the robot.
According to statements published in Kuai Ke Zhi and later cited by Chosun Daily, Dr. Zhang said:
“Artificial womb technology is already at a mature stage, and now it needs to be implanted into the robot’s abdomen so that a real person and the robot can interact to achieve pregnancy.”
Yes, we were left speechless too.
