1) prevent anybody else from patenting it. 2) collect royalties of somebody else decides to build such a thing. 3) bump up their patent count.

Yes. I'm ignorant of intellectual property law, but wouldn't requiring an intent to actually produce the relevant technology prevent some of the abuses of the patent system?

That, and ride patents to a seat at the table as a "key stakeholder".

Got a great idea? We love it! We'll take 40% of every unit sold. Good luck!

At this point it's probably too early to say if they're going to produce it or not.