Sony gaming robot patented

Sony are looking to patent a robot gaming peripheral that would interact with both a game and the user.  The patent, submitted in June 2008, describes a mobile robot equipped with a camera, microphone and speakers, together with a display.

Other interfaces could include an acceleration sensor, gyro sensor and a GPS receiver, which would all allow the Sony robot to better locate itself and plan its movements.  The robot would move about on wheels, and be able to listen and respond to commands from the gamer together with display images on its integrated screen.

In fact, all the patent omits to mention is what exact role Sony envisage such a robot playing in gaming.  All we're left with is the inevitable comparisons to the Nintendo R.O.B. from back in 1985.

[via Kotaku]