Reborn babies: the disturbing advance of hyper-realistic dolls that breathe, cry, and seem to come to life thanks to AI.

Reborn babies are a global phenomenon that arouses both fascination and suspicion. Replicas created with aesthetic precision attract collectors and are used in therapies to alleviate grief and anxiety . The technology provides mobility , sensation, and warmth, but leaves an open question: how far can a doll that seems to breathe go?

Its breakthrough reopens the debate about the boundaries between the emotional and the mechanical, especially with the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) , capable of imbuing these angelic faces with an intimidating mimicry . What for some is therapeutic innovation, for others becomes a blurred line where affection merges with the sinister .

There's something about the appearance of these "reborn" children, almost human but artificial, that provokes a feeling of unease that's hard to ignore . This aesthetic is reminiscent of horror series like Servant, where a couple adopts a harmless puppet that, over time, becomes a disturbing presence.

Although their appearance is almost identical to that of a newborn, reborn babies are hyper-realistic silicone or vinyl puppets , crafted with such precision that they capture even the slightest gesture of an infant. This artisanal perfection, enhanced by new techniques, places them in a realm where art and imitation verge on their own limits.

They are created using techniques that include translucent nail polish, hair grafting, and the addition of nuances that mimic irritated, pale skin with delicate folds, visible veins, and subtle color variations . The eyes, made of blown glass or acrylic, accurately reproduce the moist glow and natural depth of the human gaze.

The new generation of reborn dolls incorporates a layer of AI capable of mimicking biological functions such as breathing, sleepy blinking, and idle movements, elevating the experience to previously unimaginable levels.

According to the specialized website Babyclon.com , these babies cry due to hunger, tiredness, or discomfort , and their caregiver must interpret each sign to provide relief. Some babies identify their caregiver and calm down simply by feeling their arms, thus reinforcing the caregiving experience.

If the goal is to establish a routine of care, they reproduce signals such as hunger and are calmed by bottle feeding or breastfeeding, thanks to sensors that record body posture. They also require assistance with burping and diaper changes to regain comfort. They respond to lullabies or pacifiers to fall asleep and have a battery that charges via USB-C with a 24-hour battery life.

Some models already make sounds, a prelude to a more ambitious technological evolution : soon there will be versions that articulate words and simulate growth. In their first months, they will babble, and by the age of one, they will begin to pronounce words like "mama" or "dada," consolidating a generation of more human-like replicas.

The greater the pursuit of excellence, the higher the price tag. On platforms like Reborns, the most basic models cost around $400 , while those that include simulated breathing or fake tears can exceed $2,500 .

The physical finish also influences the cost. Many models are molded with silicone that replicates the softness of human skin, poured into molds designed from real babies . This extreme customization achieves textures and proportions that reinforce the illusion of looking at a newborn.

"We are entering a synthetic era in which human beings run the risk of becoming a 'second species,'" warn specialists concerned about the progressive replacement of human bonds with emotional simulations.

Beyond the therapeutic value they provide, reborn babies reveal an underlying social problem. In an environment where motherhood is postponed or abandoned due to multiple economic and cultural factors, a belated longing for the family experience emerges, which many people discover when the biological option is no longer feasible.

In this context, reborn babies acquire a meaning that transcends the symbolic, functioning as an emotional response to emotional deprivation. At the same time, they reflect a reality where the search for comfort drives some to seek refuge in imaginary figures, suggesting a change in the way society faces its existential voids.

Reborn therapies use dolls that replicate human characteristics, such as weight and even body moisture . They were conceived by mental health professionals as resources to support grieving over the loss of a child or for couples facing fertility-related difficulties.

Given its widespread acceptance, its application has expanded to other clinical and emotional fields. Today, it is used in the treatment of disorders such as anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer's in older adults.

The experience of holding, dressing, and caring for these dolls can trigger deep emotional responses, generate calm, and offer a form of companionship that transcends the allegorical narrative.

The most exemplary case is that of Alejandra Arias and Jaime Martínez, a Colombian couple currently residing in Marbella, Spain. Their story has captured public attention for the unique way they dealt with the inability to have children.

Alejandra, diagnosed with a medical condition that prevents her from getting pregnant, told TV cameras that, after consulting with a psychologist, they received an unconventional suggestion: incorporating a reborn baby into their life as part of a comprehensive psychological treatment.

Thus was born "Batmancito," created by a consortium of Canadian artisans, who based their childhood photos of the two to design a model with personalized features, natural hair, and a weight similar to that of a newborn.

In just three months, the doll arrived in her hands and became part of her daily routine. Alejandra says that caring for Batmancito brought back her joy and helped her overcome a deep depression. The couple shares moments with him on social media, where they simulate everyday scenes as if he were a blood child.