A protogen is a type of anthropomorphic character design that combines features of both humans and machines, often characterized by robotic elements, digital interfaces, and a stylized aesthetic. Commonly found in online communities and furry fandoms, protogens typically have animal-like traits, such as ears or tails, while incorporating futuristic or cybernetic aspects like glowing eyes or mechanical limbs. They are often used in art, role-playing, and virtual identities.