How do you like me in this: user embodiment preferences for companion agents

摘要: We investigate the relationship between embodiment of an artificial companion and user perception interaction with it. In a Wizard Oz study, 42 users interacted one two embodiments: physical robot or virtual agent on screen through role-play secretarial tasks in office, providing essential assistance. Findings showed that participants both condition groups when given choice would prefer to interact companion, mainly for its greater social presence. Subjects also found less annoying talked it more naturally. However, this preference robotic is not reflected users' actual rating their reflect contradiction conclude task-based context focuses much companion's behaviour than embodiment. This underlines feasibility our efforts creating companions migrate embodiments while maintaining consistent identity from user's point view.