Embodied Virtual Agents as a Means to Foster E-Inclusion of Older People

Abstract

How can Embodied Virtual Agents (EVAs, often misleadingly called " avatars ") facilitate access to modern information and communication technologies for older people? Several studies and theoretical considerations point out their strong potential benefits, as well as their pitfalls and limitations. This chapter provides a survey of current studies, technologies, and applications, and shall provide guidance as to when and how to employ an EVA for the benefit of older adults. The reviewed studies encompass robotics, EVAs, and specific questions regarding the e-inclusion of the target user group. 8.1 Introduction Embodied Virtual Agents (EVAs) are autonomous virtual beings that interact with the virtual and real environment through an expressive virtual body, while pursuing particular goals or fulfilling certain tasks. Usually, they are of human or humanoid appearance, even when they represent animals or objects, as for instance a paper-clip. EVAs interact with people or with other EVAs by means of natural verbal and nonverbal channels, e.g. speech and accompanying facial expressions. Nowadays, EVAs can achieve a remarkable level of visual and behavioral realism due to high quality real-time rendering, appealing movements, and integration of results from artificial intelligence and natural language processing technologies.