Sony patented the PlayStation ... robot?
Last June, Sony Computer Entertainment filled a patent application for a small robot accessory with multiple user-interaction options, according to Siliconera. Along with the ability to bomb around a user's house like a distant cousin of the Roomba, the SCE robot patent calls for the device to include a camera (presumably so it can watch you sleep at night) and display, a microphone for voice and sound command functions and speakers. According to the story, Sony also prepped upgrade options for the bad idea device in the form of an acceleration and gyro sensor, and/or possibly a GPS receiver.
In case the above sarcasm isn't enough, let's be clear. We don't think this is a good idea. No, not because this idea has been tested in the past -- and failed miserably, mind you -- but because giving a robot this many options seems dangerous. A camera to watch you, GPS to track you, speakers to announce the coming Robotocalypse -- No, thank you! If this robot, which we hope is some kind of early and elaborate April Fool's joke, is ever announced and is codenamed Skynet ... just run.
