Deco: Extending Cherished Physical Objects into AI Companion Agents through Dual Embodiment

Abstract

Physical objects (e.g., plush toys) can transcend materiality to become emotional anchors and provide companionship. However, these bonds remain one-sided because most physical objects cannot reciprocate. AI companions offer responsiveness and personalization, but typically entail building bonds from scratch. We investigated how AI companions might inherit and extend users' existing bonds with physical objects. A formative study (N=9) informed four design principles (Faithful Identity, Calibrated Agency, Ambient Presence, Reciprocal Memory), shaping our Dual-Embodiment Companion Framework. We instantiated it as Deco to create digital embodiments of physical companions. In a within-subjects lab study (N=25), Deco was rated higher than a personalized digital-only companion on six companion-related measures (all p<.01). A subsequent seven-day field deployment (N=17) showed sustained engagement, higher post-deployment well-being (p=.040), and three key relational patterns: digital activities retroactively vitalized physical objects, bond deepening centered on emotional engagement depth, and participants sustained bonds while navigating companions' AI nature. Dual embodiment offers a promising framework for revitalizing physical objects with AI agents.