AI “Nanny” Being Created by Chinese Scientists to Grow Babies in Artificial Wombs

It’s no secret that humans are having fewer babies. More and more people are deciding to forgo parenthood, in addition to those who would like to be parents but, for various reasons, are unable to do so. With the human population expected to decline significantly over the next century, people are searching for alternative ways to make becoming a parent easier. Chinese scientists have developed an AI robotic “nanny” – essentially, an artificial womb capable of nurturing a fetus into a fully-formed baby.

Chinese Scientists Created a Robot “Nanny” That Simulates The Womb

A group of Chinese scientists has proposed another potential solution to the declining world population: an AI robot “nanny” that monitors and cares for human embryos growing in artificial wombs. China’s birth rate is currently the lowest it has been in six decades, causing concerns about an impending population crisis. Scientists are experimenting with these artificial wombs and robot “nannies” as a possible solution to the problem.

Researchers at the Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology in China’s eastern Jiangsu province developed this AI robot to ensure that the environment in the artificial wombs remains optimal. The “nanny” observes, documents, and manually adjusts factors such as carbon dioxide levels, nutrition, and other environmental inputs continuously. Allegedly, the robot can also assess each embryo’s potential.

“There are still many unsolved mysteries about the physiology of typical human embryonic development,” the researchers wrote in their paper. “[This technology will] not only help further our understanding of the origin of life and human embryonic development but also provide a theoretical basis for addressing birth defects and other major reproductive health issues.”

A Safer Environment?

Scientists argue that artificial wombs actually provide a safer environment for the growing fetus compared to a mother’s womb. Naturally, there are no conflicts with external factors or environmental issues. For instance, as a machine rather than a human, the artificial womb can ensure that the growing baby receives perfect daily nutrition. There’s no concern about pollutants or toxins, such as cigarette smoke or alcohol consumption.

Naturally, there are advantages to this situation. For example, couples unable to conceive could opt for this method instead of seeking a surrogate. It might also encourage some women to consider having children if they know they don’t have to go through the challenges of carrying and giving birth to the child. Moreover, in cases where a mother is involved in an accident and dies or falls into a coma, these artificial wombs and nannies can offer a safe alternative to allow the fetus to continue developing.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

Of course, this technology is highly controversial. Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of babies not growing in a natural environment. Critics argue that the love and care a mother provides to her growing child throughout the pregnancy process would be lost in this scenario. Regardless of perfect nutrition and environment, the emotional bond between a mother and her child is considered by many to be priceless. A human mother communicates with her baby and begins emotional care long before birth, which undoubtedly influences the health and well-being of the child.

Additionally, there are legal challenges associated with this technology. Currently, scientists are using mouse embryos for their research due to international laws preventing them from using human embryos. This means that the technology may not function in precisely the same way for humans. Further development is required before discussions can take place regarding the use of robot “nannies” to nurture human embryos in artificial wombs. What are your thoughts? Is there a place for artificial wombs and caregivers in the realm of human reproduction, or should we leave this to nature?