A new patent filed by Sony has been uncovered and it’s pretty darn weird even by 2020’s standards. It seems the tech giant has plans to work on a new type of robot technology which will watch your gameplay and react to your emotions. From the sounds of things, they’ve made a friend for lonesome gamers.
The patent suggests that the Sony robot will encourage users to play more games, and boost gamers’ motivation while playing. Described as a “joint viewing player,” your robot chum will react to your emotions as you play. Also he looks cute and fuzzy, as you can see in the image below.
“The inventor focused on the possibility of utilizing a robot as a joint viewing player who experiences sympathy with a user,” states the new patent.
“For example, it is expected that the user’s affinity with the robot is increased and motivation for playing a game is enhanced by the robot viewing the gameplay next to the user and being pleased or sad together with the user.”
Before you start emptying out your spare room to make space for your robot buddy, it’s important to remember that filing for a patent doesn’t mean too much. It’s likely we might never actually get to see My First Robot from Sony (that’s not the name, I just made that up).
Last year, a patent from Razer emerged, and it seemed to suggest the company would be making a Nintendo Switch-like handheld console. Following the news, Razer said in a statement: “As one of the world’s most forward-looking companies, Razer regularly applies for new patents for innovative concepts and designs.
“With more than 3,000 applications, Razer recently won prizes from the World Intellectual Property Organization for its innovations. At the start of 2013 we invented the first gaming tablet with removable controllers – the Razer Edge – years before devices like the Nintendo Switch were launched. Our patents may or may not be marketed and we do not comment on unannounced products.”
As you can see, patents aren’t necessarily an indication of a confirmed product. Still, one can dream.
Do you want a Sony robot friend?
Featured Image: US Patent Office/Sony