Stasis pod

Na-Nu Na-Nu.

A stasis pod is used to store a Transformer protoform newborn until it has its spark installed, is given programming, and is formatted into a functional adult Transformer. The protoform is sealed safely inside the stasis pod, supported by nothing more than a lubricating fluid. In normal use, an exploration ship will carry several stasis pods, seed a planet with them, and the stasis pods would scan for native forms and birth new Transformer life.

If the stasis pod is damaged, the spark of the protoform may be extinguished, turning it into a lifeless "blank" protoforms. One such blank protoform was used by Rhinox to restore Optimus Primal to life; Megatron used another blank to create Dinobot II.

Because a stasis pod's life support functions are so efficient, they can also be used to transport adult Transformers, usually for long-distance travel. They have also been used to carry sentenced criminals into exile.

Fiction

Dawn of Future's Past

A stasis pod containing Protoform X was transferred into the Axalon as cargo. Dawn of Future's Past

3H comics

Packrat, a thief, was contained in a stasis pod.

IDW Beast Wars comics

Among the Protoforms awaked from Stasis Pods for the events of the Gathering were: B'Boom, Bonecrusher, Ramulus, Snarl, Wolfang, Optimus Minor, Armordillo, Bantor, K-9, Noctorro, Stinkbomb, Torca, Claw Jaw, Cybershark, Air Hammer, Night Glider, Prowl II, Sonar, Grimlock, Buzz Saw, Buzzclaw, Injector, Insecticon, Jetstorm, Lazorbeak, Powerpinch, Razorclaw, Retrax, Scavenger, Scourge, Sky Shadow, Snapper, and Terragator. Believe it or not, Transquito was actually among those NOT from a protoform...Magmatron BROUGHT him. huh.

Beast Machines cartoon

Nightscream states that they "junked all the stasis pods" in the Quantum Cycle Upgrade that gave all Transformers on Cybertron DNA scanners. Survivor