The Chetboard

http://www.google.com/patents?id=G9EzAA ... &q&f=false

from 1975. Have fun searching

Gibson recently had a guitar that 'automatically tuned' using motorized tuning pegs or something of that order

I remember seeing an advertisement for that, each string had its own geared motor to tune it. As I recall, it added so much extra weight to the headstock, it seemed like a gimick to most of the traditional guitarists.
One could always use a standard tuner to bring a string to pitch.
gary

Forgot to add the link, robot Gibson automatic tuner.
when you open the link, click on the dot on the headstock and see the back side of the headstock with the motors.
http://www.gibson.com/RobotGuitar/