The future is almost upon us in the gaming space, with an exciting array of technology set to become mainstream for the incoming console generation. As we’ve seen demonstrated so far, both Xbox and Sony are diving deep to deliver new fathoms of power and functionality with the Xbox Series X and the premier PlayStation 5 controller, the DualSense. However, by the looks of a new Sony patent, the PS5 may also sport a feature that Microsoft likely never thought to make: a little robotic companion.

According to a recently surfaced Sony patent (via Respawn First), it appears the tech company has been working on a robot capable of watching and reacting to a user’s gameplay. Aiming to add more fun to the proceedings, the goal of the so-called “joint viewing player” is meant to enhance a player’s motivation, with the robot sympathizing with a player’s happy or sad playthroughs through the use of “feeling deduction” technology.

“The inventor focused on the possibility of utilizing a robot as a joint viewing player who experiences sympathy with a user,” the patent describes. “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.”

It is expected that the user may enjoy content mere by viewing the content with the robot as compared to the case of viewing it alone.”

While a robot capable of discerning a player’s mood sounds like it could be an impressive device, the idea is nonetheless a bizarre one. As with several seeming controller prototypes for the PlayStation 5, this newest Sony patent could also easily be another of the company’s ideas that will never become a reality. That being said, this isn’t the first time Sony has floated the idea of an AI assistant or even a physical robot companion, making it slightly more possible for this patent to become official in some form or another.

This is an unaltered image from a Sony patent pic.twitter.com/udbSIUpFSs

— Justin (@roboplato) February 7, 2020

What do you think? Would you love a robot buddy to hang out amidst play sessions, or do you feel this Sony patent is a really strange idea? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow Don’t Feed the Gamers on Twitter and Facebook to be informed of the latest gaming and entertainment news 24 hours a day! For more headlines recently featured on DFTG, check out these next few news stories:

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