How we got here!

by | Nov 13, 2017

Reading Time: 2 minutes

At the 14th of November 2017, we launched our Kickstarter, an exciting moment for all of us. But we didn’t get her in a day. Lots of exciting moments happened in the past 2 years after Julian, Job, Wouter and Stijn met each other for the first time. Read our story here. Have fun!

1st of September 2015, Robotics Lab, Delft University of Technology
We, Wouter, Julian, Job and Stijn, met each other for the first time in the robotics institute of the Delft University of Technology. In 6 months time, we took on the challenge to develop a robot. But we approached it from a different angle: we set out not to develop the stereotypical rough, cold industrial robot but rather a soft, cuddly one. Meanwhile, we saw family members and friends suffer from sleep deprivation. Some of them tried ‘solutions’, but these were far from ideal and unable to truly help them. That’s when we decided to develop something that would actually make a difference.

28th of January 2016, Faculty of Industrial Design, Delft University of Technology
Our first prototype is finished. With a real-life breathing simulation, relaxing music, and a comfortable feel we proudly presented our first prototype to the world! With a huggable robot appropriate for the size of an average Dutch guy, we made quite an impression. In the following weeks, we got dozens of emails of people wanting to test our prototype and even the Dutch media showed some interest in it: Vice, RTL, AD, BNR, and many other contacted us to for interviews.

28th of June 2016, Main Hall, Yes!Delft Incubator
We decided to pause our studies to fully focus on Somnox. After an intense planning session at Julian’s home, we scheduled a meeting with Yes!Delft, the no. 4 Tech Incubator of Europe. That’s where we first heard of the EIT Health Launchlab, a pressure cooker that could help us build a business plan around our idea. Seven days later we were selected, woohoo! After 3 months of entrepreneurial workshops, projects, and a road trip through Europe, it was time to work towards our Kickstarter. But first, we needed an office and of course some resources to fulfill our dream of bringing sleep to many.

3rd of February 2017, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Time for some testing! At the beginning of 2017, it was time to put our sleep robot up to the test. A new prototype was developed, just focussing on a silent, realistic, breathing rhythm, to see how people responded. 15 lucky test sleepers had the chance to try out one of our earlier prototypes. With the feedback from this testing round we had lots to work on, but we knew we were on the right track. We found out it had to be smaller, softer, more silent and we need to include music. That was the start of eventual months of testing and iteration.

14th of November 2017, All over the world!
After finishing our latest prototypes, building 10 sleep robots, and successfully accomplishing our latest testing round, we now need your help. Support our Kickstarter and together we can bring the world better sleep! Visit our Kickstarter here: Click here!

Kickstarter logo

Continue reading

New for Somnox 2: Airplane Mode

New for Somnox 2: Airplane Mode

Today we introduce to you the newest function for Somnox 2: Airplane Mode   What Is Airplane Mode? Almost all smartphones and electronic devices nowadays have a setting called ‘airplane mode’. This name has come about as the function was primarily launched in the...

Hugging Benefits for Mental Health (And Beyond)

Hugging Benefits for Mental Health (And Beyond)

Does someone need a hug? Whether you consider yourself to be a natural “hugger” or not, giving and receiving hugs can benefit both your physical and mental health.  Hugging stimulates the production of the hormone oxytocin in the body. This feel-good hormone leads to...

Can Sleeping at Work Increase Productivity?

Can Sleeping at Work Increase Productivity?

Sleeping at work—have you done it? Thought about doing it? Know people who do it? The idea of sleeping at work seems like a comical trope, but it's surprisingly common. Some believe sleeping at work is unprofessional and that employers should discipline employees for...