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#human-computer interaction Preprint Open access

Context Matters! Social, Spatial, and Semantic Coordination with an Embodied Agent in Immersive Analytics

Andrew Cunningham Nicolas Barbotin Adam Drogemuller Jack Faser
Oct 2026
Human-computer Interaction

Abstract

Embodied AI agents in Augmented Reality (AR) could enable more natural collaboration in immersive analytics by engaging users through spatial, conversational, and visual interaction. However, designing such agents requires careful attention to context. We propose a preliminary conceptual framework for context-aware design of embodied agents structured around three dimensions of spatial, social, and semantic. This framework is further categorised into embeddedness (how agents are situated in the contexts) and awareness (how agents perceive and respond to the contexts). To explore this, we present Cobot, an embodied AI agent designed as a design probe. Cobot supports context-sensitive interaction through features such as gaze cues, spatial sound, and task-aware behaviour. We reflect on its design and identify implications for future contextaware embodied agents.

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