Stasis pod
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.
Additionally, some of such a vessel's stasis pods will house "blank" protoforms, which are lifeless and do not contain sparks. One such blank protoform was used by Rhinox to restore Optimus Primal to life; Megatron used another blank to create Dinobot II. These blank protoforms may be brought along to serve as backup bodies in this manner, or they might result when a stasis pod is damaged and the spark or datatrax of a "live" protoform are lost.
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
Beast Wars cartoon
3H comics
Packrat, a thief, was contained in a stasis pod.
IDW Beast Wars comics
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
