Scientists announce first baby born via robotic sperm injection system

In a groundbreaking advancement for assisted reproduction, a baby has been born following fertilization through a fully automated and digitally controlled intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) system—a first in medical history.
This achievement signifies a major leap in the field of in vitro fertilization (IVF), where automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly reshaping clinical practices.
In the early stages of ICSI (which was developed in the 1990s and is now a commonly practiced procedure), a trained embryologist would use a needle to inject a single sperm cell into a mature egg.
However, the new system developed by a collaborative team from Conceivable Life Sciences, operating in New York and Guadalajara, Mexico, has taken that process out of human hands. Their AI-powered platform automates all 23 steps of the standard ICSI procedure, offering unmatched accuracy and consistency.
This new ICSI system integrates modern robotics and AI technology to perform the most sensitive tasks in microinjection. With its advanced algorithms, AI controls much more than just the injection. It also uses lasers to precisely immobilize selected sperm cells and guides them into the egg with unparalleled accuracy, well beyond human performance.
The automation of the ICSI process "represents a transformative solution that promises to enhance precision, improve efficiency, and ensure consistent outcomes" through reduced variability and work-related stress on human operators, says Dr Jacques Cohen.
In the case that led to this historic birth, a 40-year-old woman who had previously failed an IVF attempt participated in the study. Five donor eggs were fertilized using the automated ICSI system, while three served as controls for manual ICSI performed by the clinic staff.
The remote-controlled automated procedure from New York and Guadalajara took just under ten minutes per egg. Researchers describe the faster interactive processes as still in experimental stages but predict upcoming refinements will increase speed.
Of the five eggs fertilized with the automated system, four developed normally. A resulting blastocyst, created through remote-controlled injection from 3,700 kilometers away, was frozen and later transferred back into the patient's uterus. The pregnancy proceeded without complication, culminating in the birth of a healthy baby boy.
The AI system had complete automation control over every step of ICSI. However, innovating embryo culture, cryopreservation, and even the selection and injection of sperm had already been automated in many fertility labs previously. Even in these pilot stages, success paves the way for further endeavors with scope for clinical tests and later app-wide implementation.
'With AI,' explained Professor Mendizabal-Ruiz, 'the system autonomously selects sperm and precisely immobolises its midsection with a laser ready for injection - executing this rapid, precise process with a level of accuracy beyond human capability.'
As IVF laboratories continue to integrate automation across embryo assessment, storage, and fertilization, the birth of this child represents a major milestone. It's not only proof that fully automated fertilization is possible but also a glimpse into the future of precision-driven fertility care.
The study has been published in Reproductive BioMedicine Online.

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Newsweek

2 days ago

• Newsweek

Exclusive: We Thought Having a Baby Was 'Impossible.' Then Doctors Used AI

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The parents of the world's first baby born thanks to AI exclusively told Newsweek how a new IVF procedure powered entirely by artificial intelligence made the "impossible" a reality. The couple's hopes of starting a family were crushed when Edna, 42, and Tony, 45, were diagnosed with infertility issues, including Edna's ovarian insufficiency. But in 2023, they were introduced to a prototype study led by Conceivable Life Sciences through Hope IVF—a private clinic in Mexico City. From left to right: Luis, Dr Luis Miguel Campos (the patients' clinician), parents Edna and Tony. From left to right: Luis, Dr Luis Miguel Campos (the patients' clinician), parents Edna and Tony. Conceivable The precision of AI This study proved it was possible to control robotics within the IVF lab to perform ICSI, otherwise known as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, remotely to create an embryo. This means embryos created through the robotic ICSI step receive consistent treatment with high precision and a more controlled approach to combining the egg and sperm, compared to current manual methods. The surgeon still oversees the robot and the processes, but with much improved outcomes. Edna and Tony—who are using their middle names for privacy—spoke exclusively to Newsweek about how they became the first family shaped by AI. "We represent expectations and hope for all those couples who are unable to reach their goal to become parents," they said through Spanish translation. "Once we heard the baby's heartbeat, we felt like we reached something that seemed previously impossible." A scalable model for fertility treatment The prototype study involved 41 patients and to date, has resulted in 21 pregnancies and 18 live births. Its system sees AI-powered robots help human doctors in a first step towards automating IVF treatments. The remote ICSI procedure used allows for a much gentler approach to embryo creation, helping improve quality outcomes at a microscopic level. Baby Luis (his real name) was born in Morelia in November 2024. Now seven-months-old, he has become the first baby to be conceived thanks to AI. Inside the AI system Chief medical officer at Conceivable Life Sciences, Dr. Alejandro Chavez-Badiola and one of the principal investigators on the paper, shared two scenarios: "Am I the lucky patient who is going to be treated by the best embryologist in the world at 8 a.m. after a cup of coffee and with a smile on their face, fully focused," he told Newsweek. "Or am I going to be the unlucky patient who is going to be treated by the best embryologist in the world at 1 p.m. when they're about to inject their 17th egg, thinking about lunch and having just received a distressing phone call from their partner." With this new system, the entire procedure uses mathematical algorithms and robotics to carry out the fertilization process step-by-step, with future precision likely to be beyond human capability. "Automation is not only allowing us to standardize these issues with the precision of robots, but to scale this [and] to make sure that every patient anywhere in the world, at any given time, can be treated by the best embryologists," Dr. Chavez-Badiola said. Remote ICSI photography. Remote ICSI photography. Conceivable Tony told Newsweek that the couple didn't have concerns about using the technology to finally become parents. "Although it can be directed to other purposes like weapons or other negative aspects, I feel like it should be applied on a daily basis, because well done, its purpose will be at the service of mankind," he said. While there will always be a clinical team overseeing the automated lab, remote control enables global teams to manage automated labs beyond regular hours, allowing for 18–20-hour workdays. Additionally, as the system can be operated remotely, a specialist in one country can carry out fertilization procedures for patients in another. Cost and duration were also differing factors from traditional methods, but the couple put their trust in the team at Conceivable. "By being more optimal and efficient, I feel like it will reduce the amount of attempts and the necessity of medications," Edna told Newsweek. Edna said that the process was fraught with emotion, given the negative outcomes of their previous IVF rounds. Edna was working in another city when she took the pregnancy test. "When I told Tony the news I was pregnant, it was a delightful surprise for him," she told Newsweek. "We were very happy." Luis, the first baby born from remote ICSI. Luis, the first baby born from remote ICSI. Conceivable The success rate of 51 percent aligns with industry standards, according to the Vienna Consensus. However, in their trials, the researchers also found that embryos created using this AI system had an as good—if not better—development potential than those made by humans alone, resulting in high-quality blastocysts—the stage at which embryos are typically relocated from an embryo transfer catheter to the uterus. Edna and Tony's clinician Dr. Luis Miguel Campos told Newsweek that once he had explained the process of ICSI to them, they saw it as an opportunity. "I joined this program to help two beautiful humans achieve their when they heard they were pregnant, I cried like never before," he said. As for next steps at Conceivable, Dr. Campos said consistency in outcomes is a top priority, eventually leading to an improvement in access for any patient around the world. "By [producing] consistency in results, the control process will imply reducing costs and be more efficient," he said. Ethics and AI Dr. Alexander Kotlyar, a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at Genesis Fertility, told Newsweek emerging AI tools in fertility can enhance core ethical principles, provided they are carefully assessed and properly trained. "The ethical debate around AI reminds me of the long-standing tug-of-war behind genetic testing of embryos," he said. "In both cases, there is concern about how the use of new technology, like DNA testing techniques, can truly benefit patient outcomes, [for example], getting pregnant and having a live birth." Dr. Kotlyar explained the use of AI in the fertility field has grown significantly since the first "test tube" baby was born over forty years ago. This development can be partly attributed to the fact that the processes behind AI algorithms are often not transparent, which raises questions about their outcomes and reliability. "This concern is even more profound with AI since decision-making is, at least partly, given to a machine," he told Newsweek. "However, I would reassure patients and the public that in both cases, the technology is always tested against the principles of core medical ethics and if we cannot stay true to those principles, then we do not use the technology." Hope for future parents For Edna and Tony, being the first successful participants of the prototype clinical trial is a dream come true. "We were fortunate to be selected over other candidates for this first treatment, and we feel blessed," they told Newsweek. "We encourage all those couples who are on the journey to becoming parents to not abandon their dreams and hopes." The couple received strong support from both sides of their families. "Some of them felt a little concerned but in the end, everyone was really happy for our outcome," Tony said. When he's old enough, both Edna and Tony will happily tell Luis that he was conceived using AI. "There's a lot of ignorance and certain concerns about technology, but we will explain gladly to our son." ‌Do you have a tip on a health story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about IVF? Let us know via health@ Reference Mendizabal-Ruiz, G., Chavez-Badiola, A., Hernández-Morales, E., Valencia-Murillo, R., Ocegueda-Hernández, V., Costa-Borges, N., Mestres, E., Acacio, M., Matia-Algué, Q., Farías, A. F.-S., Carreon, D. S. M., Barragan, C., Silvestri, G., Martinez-Alvarado, A., Olmedo, L. M. C., Aguilar, A. V., Sánchez-González, D. J., Murray, A., Alikani, M., & Cohen, J. (2025). A digitally controlled, remotely operated ICSI system: Case report of the first live birth. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 50(5).

Yahoo

29-05-2025

• Yahoo

Saudi Arabia In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market Forecasts and Opportunities, 2030: Competitive Intelligence Reveals New Frontiers in Medical Tourism and Fertility Solutions

The Saudi Arabia IVF market is poised for growth due to rising awareness of infertility, societal acceptance of various family structures, and technological advancements like ICSI and PGT. Increased demand is fueled by government support, evolving regulations, and fertility preservation services, amidst cultural and ethical challenges. Saudi Arabian In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market Dublin, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2020-2030F" has been added to offering. The Saudi Arabia In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market was valued at USD 378.60 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 589.56 Million by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 7.86% In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure designed to help individuals and couples overcome infertility and achieve pregnancy. The term "in vitro" means "in glass," and IVF involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the human body in a laboratory setting, typically in a petri dish or a specialized culture medium. The resulting embryos are then carefully monitored and, in most cases, one or more of the healthiest embryos are selected for transfer into the woman's uterus with the goal of establishing a successful pregnancy. IVF is a complex and highly customizable procedure, and the specific protocols may vary based on individual patient needs and circumstances. The success of IVF can depend on various factors, including the woman's age, the quality of the embryos, and any underlying medical conditions. A rising awareness of infertility issues and available fertility treatments among both healthcare providers and the public encourages more individuals and couples to seek IVF solutions. In Riyadh, Fertility World offers premier In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment, delivering comprehensive care with the highest success rates. The center provides an affordable IVF package at a cost of USD 3,997.73, making the dream of parenthood a reality for many. Continuous advancements in IVF techniques, equipment, and laboratory procedures improve success rates, making IVF more appealing to patients. Evolving societal norms and cultural shifts, including greater acceptance of non-traditional family structures, contribute to the increasing demand for IVF treatments. The rise in fertility preservation services for individuals facing medical treatments that may affect their fertility expands the market. Efforts to educate patients about infertility issues, available treatments, and the benefits of IVF can boost demand. The presence of an aging population can contribute to a higher demand for fertility treatments, as advanced maternal age is often associated with infertility. Increasing availability of health insurance coverage for IVF treatments can make these services more accessible and affordable to a wider range of patients. Government initiatives to promote and subsidize fertility treatments, establish specialized fertility centers, and improve access to IVF services can drive market growth. Well-defined regulations are crucial for developing a scaled and corporatized IVF market, and improvements in the regulatory framework across APAC are driving increased investment. However, there is considerable variability in regulations among countries. Thailand and Malaysia, where gender selection and biological asset transfers are permitted, offer some of the most flexible regulations, though they impose restrictions on foreign ownership of ART clinics (e.g., Thailand limits foreign ownership to 70%). In contrast, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the UAE, and China enforce more stringent regulatory requirements. Key Market Drivers Technological Advancements Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a breakthrough technology that involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg. It is particularly beneficial for couples with male infertility issues and has significantly increased IVF success rates. IVF success rates in Saudi Arabia are comparable to those in Dubai, ranging between 40-50%. The country's regulatory framework supports the use of advanced reproductive technologies, and numerous clinics offer comprehensive IVF packages. While Saudi Arabia emphasizes convenience and patient comfort, its offerings may not match the luxury experiences available in Dubai. Additionally, Saudi Arabia adheres to strict ethical guidelines and quality standards, ensuring safe and effective treatments. Growing Awareness Growing awareness leads to the establishment of support groups, online forums, and resources for individuals and couples dealing with infertility. These networks provide emotional and informational support, making it easier for people to navigate their fertility journey. Awareness campaigns often emphasize the importance of seeking medical advice early when faced with fertility issues. National and international awareness initiatives and fertility awareness weeks contribute to educating the public about infertility and available treatments, including IVF. When public figures and celebrities openly share their experiences with infertility and IVF, it can have a profound impact on public awareness and encourage others to seek treatment. As societies evolve and embrace changing family structures, awareness campaigns can help individuals see IVF as a viable option for building their families. This factor will pace up the demand of the Saudi Arabia In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market. Rising Fertility Preservation Patients facing medical treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgeries that can impair fertility often choose to preserve their gametes (eggs or sperm) before undergoing these treatments. After completing their medical treatment, many of these individuals turn to IVF to achieve a pregnancy. Some individuals choose to delay parenthood due to personal or professional reasons, but they wish to ensure their fertility options for the future. Fertility preservation, such as egg freezing, allows them to extend their reproductive lifespan, and they may later use IVF to conceive when they are ready to start a family. Women who are concerned about the natural decline in fertility with age may opt for egg freezing to preserve their younger, healthier eggs. Later, they may use IVF to thaw and fertilize these preserved eggs to achieve pregnancy. Key Market Challenges Ethical Concerns and Stigma Saudi Arabia, as an Islamic nation, follows strict religious principles. Some interpretations of Islamic law raise ethical concerns about IVF, especially issues related to the use of third-party gametes (egg or sperm donation), surrogacy, and pre-implantation genetic testing. Religious leaders' opinions can influence public perception. There can be social stigma associated with infertility and the use of fertility treatments, which may deter individuals and couples from seeking IVF. Privacy is highly valued in Saudi society, and the disclosure of fertility issues can be uncomfortable for many. Affordability IVF is a complex and resource-intensive medical procedure. The costs associated with IVF treatments, including medications, laboratory tests, and medical consultations, can be substantial. These high costs can make IVF out of reach for many potential patients. IVF success is not guaranteed in a single cycle, and many patients require multiple cycles to achieve a pregnancy. The need for multiple attempts significantly increases the overall cost of IVF. Fertility medications, such as hormones and gonadotropins used in IVF, can be expensive. Patients often require several medications during their IVF cycle, adding to the financial burden. Key Market Trends: Medical Tourism Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in developing state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure, including cutting-edge IVF facilities and specialized fertility clinics. This infrastructure attracts international patients seeking high-quality IVF treatments. The medical tourism market in Saudi Arabia is expected to reach USD 0.54 billion by 2029. A major factor contributing to this growth is the cost-effectiveness of medical procedures in Saudi Arabia, which are often more affordable than in many patients' home countries, particularly for elective or non-emergency treatments. The presence of highly trained and experienced fertility specialists and medical professionals in Saudi Arabia adds to the appeal for international patients. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 85 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $378.6 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $589.56 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.8% Regions Covered Saudi Arabia Report Scope Key Market Players: Dr. Sulaiman Alhabib Medical Group HealthPlus Fertility & Women's Health Center Dr. Samir Abbas Medical Centers Dr. Khalid Idriss Hospital KKUH - Assisted Conception Unit King Faisal Specialist Hospital Saad Hospital IVF Center Al Manaa General Hospital IVF Unit Thuriah Medical Center Bnoon Medical Center Saudi Arabia In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market, By Technique: ICS/IVF Non-ICSI/Traditional IVF Saudi Arabia In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market, By Reagent: Embryo Culture Media Cryopreservation Media Sperm Processing Media Ovum Processing Media Saudi Arabia In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market, By Instrument: Imaging Systems Incubators Cryo-systems Sperm Separation Systems Ovum Aspiration Pumps Micromanipulator Systems Others Saudi Arabia In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market, By Infertility: Female Male Saudi Arabia In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market, By Embryo: Frozen-Thawed Embryo Fresh Embryo Saudi Arabia In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market, By Application: Fertility Clinics Hospitals Others Saudi Arabia In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market, By End-User: Locals Expats Medical Tourists Saudi Arabia In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market, By Region: Eastern Western Northern & Central Southern For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Saudi Arabian In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

Yahoo

15-05-2025

• Yahoo

Huge ice falls at Argentina's Perito Moreno glacier stir awe and concern

By Bernat Parera PERITO MORENO GLACIER, Argentina (Reuters) -The deep cracking sound bursting from within the ice signals the dramatic fall about to happen. Seconds later, a block of ice some 70 meters (230 ft) tall - the size of a 20-story building - collapses from the face of the Perito Moreno glacier into the aquamarine water below. The sight has attracted visitors to Argentina's most famous glacier for years. Standing on platforms facing the ice, they wait for the next crack to split the cool Patagonian air. But recently the size of the ice chunks breaking off - a process called "calving" - has been starting to alarm local guides and glaciologists, already anxious at a prolonged retreat by Perito Moreno, which had bucked the trend in recent decades by maintaining its mass even as warmer climates spurred faster glacial melting worldwide. "Ice calving events of this size haven't been very common at the Perito Moreno glacier over the past 20 years," said Pablo Quinteros, an official tourist guide at Los Glaciares National Park in the southern province of Santa Cruz. "It's only in the last four to six years that we've started to see icebergs this big," he told Reuters during a visit in April. The face of the glacier, which flows down from Andean peaks to end in the waters of Lake Argentina, had for decades held more or less steady, some years advancing and others retreating. But in the last five years, there's been a firmer retreat. "It had been in more or less the same position for the past 80 years. And that's unusual," said Argentine glaciologist Lucas Ruiz with state science body CONICET, whose research focus is the future of Patagonian glaciers in the face of climate change. "However, since 2020, signs of retreat have begun to be seen in some parts of the Perito Moreno glacier's face." He said that the glacier could rebound as it has done before, but that for the moment it was losing between one and two meters of water equivalent per year, which if not reversed could lead to a situation where the loss accelerates. A state-backed 2024 report, co-authored by Ruiz and presented to Argentina's Congress, showed that while Perito Moreno's mass has been overall stable for half a century, the period since 2015 has seen the fastest and most prolonged loss of mass in 47 years, on average losing 0.85 meters per year. Glaciers around the globe are disappearing faster than ever, with the last three-year period seeing the largest glacial mass loss on record, according to a UNESCO report in March. 'YOU CAN'T GRASP THE IMMENSITY OF IT' Ruiz said instruments his research team used to monitor the glacier had shown an increase in air temperature in the area of around 0.06 degrees Celsius per decade and precipitation decreasing, meaning less accumulation of snow and ice. "The thing with Perito Moreno is that it took a while, so to speak, to feel the effects of climate change," Ruiz said. Now, however, the accumulation of ice at the top of the glacier was being outpaced by melting and calving at the bottom. "The changes we are seeing today clearly show that this balance of forces... has been disrupted, and today the glacier is losing both in thickness and area." For now, the glacier remains an awe-inspiring attraction for travelers, who board boats to see the calving and the huge icebergs floating around the lake up close. "It's insane. The most incredible thing I've ever seen," said Brazilian tourist Giovanna Machado on the deck of one of the boats, which have to be careful of sudden ice falls. "Even in photos, you just can't grasp the immensity of it, and it's perfect. It's amazing. I think everyone should come here at least once in their lifetime."