MOnarCH social robots formed by david gonçalves in lisbon

‘MOnarCH’ is a social robotics project developed by lisbon-based designer david gonçalves. the series consists of heterogeneous machines and sensors, including the child-named ‘gasparzinho’, which were introduced to the portuguese oncology institute in lisbon’s pediatric unit. 

child interacting with ‘gasparzinho’ (MOnarCH robot) named by IPOL pediatric patients
images © M. lopes – lusa

gonçalves’ work includes visualization and engineering of the robot’s outer shell, with production and mechanics by IDMind. ‘MOnarCH’ is small and approachable, with features such as a touch screen interface placed at viewable heights for both adult and child. 

video courtesy of câmara municipal de lisboa

prototype assembly

final design direction 

see-through CAD model, internals by IDMind

form explorations

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom