Another major step is being taken in the world of science and technology. Soon, a time may come when robots will be able to conceive like humans and give birth to children. Chinese scientists are working on a humanoid pregnancy robot that will carry an embryo to full term with the help of an artificial womb.
How will this unique robot work?
This project is being led by Dr. Zhang Qifeng from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. A artificial womb will be implanted inside the abdomen of this humanoid robot. This womb will be filled with artificial amniotic fluid, creating an environment identical to a human womb for the baby’s development. Nutrition will be provided to the baby through a special tube, just like a placenta provides nutrients in a natural womb.
According to Dr. Zhang, this is not an entirely new experiment. A few years ago, scientists successfully raised a premature lamb in an artificial womb called a “biobag.” Now, his team is taking the same technology to a human-like robot.
Prototype may come by next year
According to reports, the first prototype of this pregnancy robot could be ready by next year, with an estimated cost of 100,000 yuan (approximately 1.296 million INR).
This revolutionary discovery also raises many ethical and social questions. Will society accept children born from robots? Will they be given legal status equivalent to humans? Discussions have already begun with the government of China’s Guangdong province to create a legal framework for this.
