Project: Cobalt
Client: cobalt robotics
I WORKED ON:
logo, graphic language
TIMELINE:
2017-2018
LOCATION:
San Francisco
Fuseproject worked with robotics start-up Cobalt to develop their flagship product: an autonomous security robot for office spaces.
Challenge
With the founders of Cobalt, who already had a high functioning prototype with advanced sensing and computational abilities, we set out to determine the right design for the robot. We realized early on that most consumer-facing robots do, in fact, look very “robot like“, appearing neither discreet nor approachable. Many designs also anthropomorphize the robot, transforming it into a bizarre character, rather than a helpful tool. To serve as security in a professional environment, we decided to create a robot design that would seamlessly blend into an office space, while feeling friendly and reliable for people working late.
The logo highlights the ‘CO’ of Cobalt, as the collaboration between human and robot (co-robot) is core to the business.
The patterns echo the paths that Cobalt will take as it patrols the spaces it is in.
My Role
I designed the logo and the patterns for the brand, inspired by a close-to-complete robot design by fuseproject’s talented ID team. The delicate and supple draping of the fabric and the idea of constant movement informed the thin, flowing pattern – as well as the logo.
The central motif of the Cobalt brand identity characterizes the balance of approachability and discretion, carried across from the design of the product. The logo highlights the ‘CO’ of Cobalt, as the collaboration between human and robot (co-robot) is core to the business. The ‘CO’ also forms an infinity symbol, which signifies the perpetual movement and protection provided by Cobalt.
Fluid and continuous motion guide the design of the letterform in the logo. The delicate custom font is used in contrast to the traditional heaviness of robot companies. Cobalt stone and cobalt deep blue are the core brand colors, with the possibility to customize fabric colors to match interior décor and furniture.
Outcome
Cobalt launched in March 2017 and is a subscription based service used by Yelp, among others.
Cobalt is available in blue and white, but color can be customized to better suit the office space it patrols.
Recognition:
2017 IDA Print / Logos, Trademarks and Symbols Silver
Press:
This former Google X engineer wants to put a robot security guard in every office
Security Robots Get a Designer Makeover
fuseproject designed Cobalt office Security Robot
I Spent the Night with Yelp’s Robot Security Guard, Cobalt