If 'pregnancy robots' were real, would you use one?

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A viral story raised the idea of using robots outfitted with artificial wombs to incubate human babies from conception to birth. If such technology existed, would you consider using it?

an illustration of a baby's hand on top of a large, robotic hand
If you could outsource pregnancy to a robot, would you? Tell us below. (Image credit: Wirestock via Getty Images)

A viral story spread through the tabloids this week, proclaiming that a CEO of a technology company in China was in the midst of developing a "pregnancy robot." A prototype of the bot would be ready by next year, the CEO projected, and would be designed to sustain a human pregnancy from conception to birth, around 10 months.

The robot and the related story were — as you might have guessed — pure fiction. But the viral tale nonetheless raised questions about whether designing such a robot could be possible with today's technology, and what ethical quandaries that possibility might raise, in turn.

If a "pregnancy robot" existed, would you consider using one? Take our poll below, and let us know what you think of this sci-fi-sounding idea in the comments below. If you chose "maybe," what would sway your decision?

Related: 'Pregnancy robot from China' is fake, but is the technology behind it possible?

—Having a baby: Stages of pregnancy by trimester

—The gut 'remodels' itself during pregnancy, study finds

—Scientists reveal surprising factor that may prolong pregnancy

Nicoletta Lanese
Nicoletta Lanese
Channel Editor, Health

Nicoletta Lanese is the health channel editor at Live Science and was previously a news editor and staff writer at the site. She holds a graduate certificate in science communication from UC Santa Cruz and degrees in neuroscience and dance from the University of Florida. Her work has appeared in The Scientist, Science News, the Mercury News, Mongabay and Stanford Medicine Magazine, among other outlets. Based in NYC, she also remains heavily involved in dance and performs in local choreographers' work.

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