Sega unveils interactive sandbox arcade machine

Japanese video-game company Sega is developing an arcade machine that is controlled by shapes made in a box full of specialised sand.

In a video on its YouTube channel, the firm shows children sculpting landscapes and objects, which are recognised by the device.

A detailed image is then projected on to the sand, marking out water, greenery, and even wildlife.

The grains do not stick to players' hands, and no liquid is required.

In 2011, university students in the Czech Republic created a similar sandbox that worked with the Xbox console, by communicating with the Kinect motion sensor.

It enabled gamers physically to mould landscapes, complete with hills, troughs and rivers, which would then be recognised by the device so that colours and further details could be projected on to the sand.

Sega, which used to build consoles but now focuses on developing games for other platforms, still has a division that creates arcade amusements.

The company said it had no plans to release the sandbox game outside Japan.