The Somnox Sleep Robot is a capsule-shaped robot that claims to enhance quality of sleep.[1] The capsule "breathes" in and out according to a fixed rhythm.[1] The company claims that by subconsciously matching their breathing to it, people will be helped to fall asleep.[1][2][3]
| Manufacturer | Somnox |
|---|---|
| Country | Netherlands |
| Year of creation | 2017 |
| Price | US$600 (2024) |
| Website | somnox.com |
Description
editThe robot is a heavy, kidney-shaped white capsule with a soft fabric shell.[1][2] It can be controlled with a smartphone through a companion app.[4] In addition to breathing, it also plays customizable audio.[4]
History
editThe robot began prototyping in 2015 at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.[1] It was originally made by four robotics engineers there to help themselves and their families fall asleep, and to help wean one of the designer's mothers suffering from anxiety and insomnia off of sleep medication.[1][5] The decision was made to commercialize it after it received interest from strangers.[1] It was released on Kickstarter in November 2017, raising about twice its funding goal of €100,000 (US$123,000).[1]
Somnox launched a second version of their product line in November 2021, with WiFi and Bluetooth support as well as an improved spirometry algorithm.[6][7][8]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h "This Gently Breathing Robot Cuddles You to Sleep". WIRED. Retrieved 2018-09-07.
- ^ a b "I had a one-night stand with a sleep robot". Digital Trends. 2018-01-09. Retrieved 2018-09-07.
- ^ "Would you sleep with this robot?". BBC News. Retrieved 2018-09-07.
- ^ a b Heller, Emily. "Somnox might be the first robot you'll want to cuddle". Mashable. Retrieved 2018-09-07.
- ^ Chen, Joanne (2020-05-04). "I Tried a $600 Sleep Robot. It Was Fine". Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World. Retrieved 2024-07-18.
- ^ "Dutch company Somnox introduces the second version of the sleeping robot for 549 euros – picture and sound – news". Cheraw Chronicle. Retrieved 2021-11-03.
- ^ "Nederlands techbedrijf Somnox brengt nieuwe versie van slaaprobot uit". NU.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 2021-11-03.
- ^ "Somnox brengt nieuwe versie van zijn slaaprobot uit". MSN (in Dutch). Retrieved 2021-11-03.