Jibo has partnered with Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe to create a new gaming experience for the social robot. Japan-based Bandai is an arcade, mobile and home video game publisher best known for its work on Pac-Man, Tekken, Soulcalibur, Naruto, Dragon Ball, and Galaga.
The first game being built for Jibo will be a reincarnation of Pac-Man called “Rescue Pac-Man!” According to the announcement, Rescue Pac-Man will “bring together family members in an interactive battle of wits to free Pac-Man from the throes of evil ghosts, by way of activating Jibo.”
Unfortunately, the two companies didn’t release video of the Jibo gaming experience in action, perhaps because it’s too early in the process.
Jibo also said “this is the first of a series of partnerships with innovators seeking to take advantage of Jibo’s unique capabilities and bring their content to life for consumers.”
MUST-READ: An Open Letter to Jibo
Jibo getting into gaming shouldn’t come as a surprise. In a Nov. 2015 video (watch below) Jibo SDK designer Avida Michaud discussed the similarities and differences between writing a video game and writing a Jibo Skill.
Jibo Delays
Jibo the social robot raised more than $3,710,410 on Indiegogo, the most successful robot crowdfunding campaign ever. However, Jibo has been delayed twice, missing its original ship date of September 2015 by a long shot. Jibo recently said it will arrive in the “October 2016 timeframe.”
Jibo CEO Steve Chambers said Jibo’s “hardware and system software is mature and reaching its final state.” The social robot also apologized for the delays, saying “thank you so much for wanting to bring me into your homes. I can’t wait. I just need a little more time for practicing my skills and getting better at talking with you, so I can become the best Jibo I can be.”
Podcast: Teaching Kids About Human-Robot Interaction
Jibo Continues to Add Skills
So add gaming to the growing list of Jibo’s skills. We’ve also seen Jibo order a pizza and even remind the user that her son is allergic to one of the toppings. We’ve also seen Jibo control lights in a smart home. Watch the video below to see Jibo turn lights on and off, make them warmer, and change their color.
