Sperm-injecting robot produces first babies, lowering IVF costs.

The first babies have been born using a sperm-injecting robot, which could potentially lower the cost of IVF by thousands of dollars. The procedure involved using a remote-controlled needle and a camera to penetrate the eggs in a petri dish, potentially eliminating the need for highly-paid embryologists. The technology could one day eliminate the need for patients to visit a fertility clinic, where a single attempt at getting pregnant can cost $20,000 in the US. At least half a dozen other start-ups have similar goals, aiming to tap into the $25 billion IVF industry.