Somnox
Somnox is a Rotterdam company that makes a sleep robot, a soft, pillow-like device held against the chest that guides the user's breathing to help them fall asleep. It began in 2015 when four engineers from the robotics institute of Delft University of Technology started the project, led by Julian Jagtenberg, who is founder and CEO. Jagtenberg was inspired by his mother's sleep problems, and researched sleep and found that stress and anxiety are a root cause. The team used soft robotics, with silicone actuators inspired by Baymax from Big Hero 6, went through the YES!Delft accelerator and ran a successful crowdfunding campaign. More than five thousand robots have been sold worldwide, and early on the company partnered with Dutch bed maker Auping. Somnox 2, its latest version, applies what it learned from customers to help more poor sleepers benefit from breathing-led relaxation.
💡Notable Achievement: More than five thousand Somnox sleep robots have been sold worldwide.
What Does Somnox Do?
Somnox is a Rotterdam start-up whose soft sleep robot guides your breathing while you hold it, helping people fall asleep.
“A breathing pillow robot for better sleep.”
Breathing Guide
Mimics slow breathing to relax you.
Soft Robotics
Silicone actuators from TU Delft roots.
5,000+ Sold
Sold worldwide.
What Can Somnox Robots Actually Do?
Cross-portfolio operational capabilities, manipulation tasks, and environmental competencies
Sleep and relaxation robot.
Sleep Aid
Somnox 2 guides breathing to promote sleep.
Somnox Robots
Showing 1 of 1 total model
Somnox 2
Manufactured by Somnox
The Somnox 2 is a companion sleep robot designed to improve sleep quality through biofeedback-guided breathing exercises. Users hug its soft, ergonomic body to feel a simulated breathing rhythm that synchronizes with their own via smart sensors, gradually slowing respiration to reduce stress, lower heart rate, and induce relaxation for faster sleep onset and longer duration. Key features include real-time breathing detection (using microphone and motion sensors), customizable audio streaming (heartbeats, lullabies, meditations via Bluetooth), and an intuitive app for setting rhythms or adaptive modes. Use cases span bedtime routines, stress relief during the day, meditation, and habit training for better sleep hygiene in home environments, backed by science on respiratory synchronization.
Somnox Timeline & Milestones
Evolutionary history, landmark prototypes, major acquisitions, and commercial roadmap
Somnox founded by TU Delft engineers
Four engineers from the robotics institute of Delft University of Technology start Somnox, led by Julian Jagtenberg, to build a sleep robot.
Source: somnox.com
Somnox Competitors by Category
Direct industry rivals grouped by specific robotics domain
What Makes Somnox Different?
Editorial AnalysisOrigin of Bots objective strategic assessment, engineering moats, and commercial hurdles
Key Strengths & Moats
- ✓Unique category with proven sales.
- ✓Founder-led with clear mission.
Core Strategic Focus
Somnox 2 and sleep wellness.
Road Ahead & Challenges
- •Small company.
- •Sleep aids compete with apps and devices.
Corporate Ecosystem & Ownership Structure
Parent company relationships, historical acquisitions, and global operating facilities
Global Facilities & Operating Hubs
Somnox Headquarters
HQRotterdam, Netherlands
Articles & Industry News
Showing 1 recent article and news updates about Somnox
Frequently Asked Questions
8 AnswersVerified answers, company specifications, and deployment details about Somnox
What is Somnox?
Somnox is a Rotterdam company that makes a sleep robot, a soft pillow-like device that you hold against your chest and that guides your breathing to help you fall asleep.
Who founded Somnox?
Julian Jagtenberg, a robotics engineer from Delft University of Technology, founded Somnox in 2015 with a team of fellow engineers and serves as CEO.
How does the Somnox sleep robot work?
The robot mimics the breathing rhythm of a person and guides the user to slow their own breathing, using soft robotic technology made of silicone.
What is Somnox 2?
Somnox 2 is the latest version of the sleep robot. It builds on what the company learned from customers to help more people who sleep badly discover the power of breathing.
How many Somnox robots have been sold?
More than five thousand Somnox robots have been sold worldwide, according to profiles of the company and its founder. Somnox is a Rotterdam company that makes a sleep robot, a soft, pillow-like device held against the chest that guides the user's breathing to help them fall asleep.
Where is Somnox based?
Somnox is based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and began among engineers from Delft University of Technology. Somnox is a Rotterdam company that makes a sleep robot, a soft, pillow-like device held against the chest that guides the user's breathing to help them fall asleep.
Did Somnox use crowdfunding?
Yes. Jagtenberg and his fellow TU Delft students joined the YES!Delft accelerator and ran a successful crowdfunding campaign for the first Somnox sleep robot.
Who partnered with Somnox?
Early in its development Somnox partnered with Auping, a Dutch circular mattress and bed manufacturer. Somnox is a Rotterdam company that makes a sleep robot, a soft, pillow-like device held against the chest that guides the user's breathing to help them fall asleep.
Verified Data & Editorial Assurance
Compiled from verified corporate filings, official Somnox datasheets, and robotics engineering registries. Information has been verified against official manufacturer documentation. For commercial procurement or proprietary integrations, contact the manufacturer directly.