Google has achieved a US patent for a technological system that, in the near future, could potentially have the capacity to download the personality of a celebrity, or a deceased friend or family member, to a robot.
The web and technology company has stated that a robot could be used to replicate a wide and complex range of personality traits.
Google has already been behind the development of the 6.2 foot Atlas robot, which can walk, run, jump and perform functions such as opening doors.
It is hoped that the robots will eventually be able to enter conflict zones, or natural disaster areas, to help humans.
The patent details for the company’s latest venture are based on a system that relies on cloud computing, which would allow a personality to be downloaded to a robot; however, owners will also be able to clone their robots as well as having the choice to change particular aspects of their characters.
Google owns several companies that are currently working on robotic technology, using developments in cloud-based technology so that users can download human-like qualities in a similar way to downloading an app.
Based on Google’s plans for the idea, a user should theoretically be able to download a robot’s entire personality into another host device, meaning that they can benefit from their unique robot wherever they travel in the world.
However, because the patent has only been awarded in the US, it remains to be seen how the firm will protect its Intellectual Property from competitors elsewhere.