The Hospital Robot Buddy (rough translation from the Swedish Sjukhusroboten Kompis) is a graduate project from industrial designer Linus Sundblad that is meant to act as a friendly communications platform to family and friends for hospitalized children.

I have investigated the possibility of creating a relationship between patient and product; a companion that is always there for the child. I have also looked more closely at how communication could be increased between the sick child and her/his friends and parents at times when they are unable to be with the child. The aim is to increase the feeling of security for the sick child and her/his relatives.

Earlier this month Sundblad was the recipient of an annual grant that will perhaps allow him to pursue this vision even further. Personally I think he would do just fine by manufacturing a million of these cute wooden robots which are insanely awesome without multimedia components. (via below the clouds)