Robot Continuity across Embodiments: Portability, Identity and Migration of Robotic Systems

This paper explores the elements that are needed to facilitate the seamless transfer of a robotic agent’s "persona" between various embodiments. It addresses the challenges in maintaining the robot identity, user trust, and engagement during transitions into other robot embodiments. Through a literature review, we propose a framework for decomposing and reconstructing a robot’s persona across embodiments, integrating visual, audial, and behavioral identity signals. By leveraging insights from robot interaction studies, this research contributes to the design of transferable and adaptable robot companions, with applications in eldercare and assistive technologies. The findings have broader implications for advancing human-robot interaction and fostering sustainable, user-centered robotic systems.