A Dutch startup has created the world’s first sleeping robot. While this might sounds all fun and fluffy, literally and figuratively, the Somnox Pillow is actually solving a very real problem. I caught up with the team at IFA in Berlin recently to learn a little bit more about the Somnox pillow.
What is the Somnox Pillow?
The Somnox Pillow is the world’s first sleeping robot and the project has already raised over €200,000 on Kickstarter to come into fruition.
In simple terms, this is a pillow that breathes and can also play soothing music or sounds such as white noise. The science behind the Somnox Pillow largely rests on breathing patterns and the fact poor breathing patterns can sleep to poor sleep and even insomnia. Research has shown that one in three likely suffers from some sort of insomnia. Insomnia can lead to medication and possibly over-medication; a scenario everyone would rather avoid.
The Somnox Pillow is out to help with this issue, with the company’s missions stating they want to help 100,000 people achieve a good night’s rest by 2025.
Tech for Sleep: How Does the Somnox Pillow Work?
This is possibly the most cuddly robot you’ve ever seen and I can indeed confirm it’s just as cuddly as it looks. The designers teamed up with Auping to make this a super cosy device to make it almost irresistible to bring into your bed.
This cuddly robot simulates a relaxed breathing pattern and when you snuggle up to it, you subconsciously and naturally sync your own breathing to the slowed patterns of the Somnox Pillow. Combined with the comforting design of the robotic pillow and the soothing sounds it emits and the Somnox Pillow is a recipe for a good night’s sleep.
If you still have your doubts, you can read all the science behind how the Somnox Pillow delivers a good night’s sleep.
Somnox Pillow Price
Can you really put a price on a good night’s sleep? Well, actually yes you can. The Somnox Pillow will set you back a little under €565 including shipping to Ireland. Right now, this cuddly robot is available to pre-order with deliveries expected to land in October.
Somnox Pillow Review
I’m hoping to do a more in-depth review of the Somnox Pillow in the next few months, so drop your email below to make sure you don’t miss it.
In the meantime, let me leave you with a thought. One thing I’m certainly taking away from IFA 2018 is that we need to rethink what we believe robots look like. Sure, there were some classic humanoid-ish looking robots, but the most useful of the lot were either Roomba vacuums, window-washing boxes or this kidney bean shaped pillow by Somnox. Robots are coming, but you might not even recognise them.
