“Sleep Robot” encourages restful sleep

The Somnox Sleep Robot is designed to help users fall asleep by mimicking breathing patterns.The device was developed by a team of engineers who met at the Robotics Institute of the Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands. The soft robot is meant to be cuddled like a teddy bear, helping to induce slow, rhythmic breathing and encourage restful sleep.

Somnox uses CO2 sensors to detect breathing rates of the user. The data determines the rate the pillow “breathes” to match the user, then the pillow lowers its breathing rate over time. The robot’s actions are based on research that suggests calm, deep breathing relaxes the amygdala, the fear center of the brain, making it less sensitive to stress hormones. 

The Somnox Sleep Robot also uses soothing sounds to lull users to sleep. It pairs with Android or iOS applications that include a variety of sounds as well as breathing exercises. 

Sources: designboom and Somnox