Embodied AI in the Wild: Comparing Older Adults’ Interactions with an Avatar and a Humanoid Robot in a Public Space

Although embodied AI systems are increasingly developed and tested in public environments, their influence on the design of products for older adults remains underexplored. We examine how different types of embodiment, or form factor, shape initial encounters between humans and AI when conversational abilities are comparable. Building on prior work, we conducted a two-day field study at a senior citizens’ fair in Germany (n = 25, age 24–90), where participants interacted with the screen-based avatar Ann-Sophie and the humanoid robot Ameca. Both used LLM-based dialogue systems, enabling a focus on embodied interaction rather than linguistic performance. Qualitative results show contrasting affective and social responses: Ameca’s physical presence and gaze dynamics were described as both fascinating and unsettling, while Ann-Sophie was perceived as warm but socially limited. These findings highlight the role of embodiment in shaping comfort, expectations, and ethical awareness in public human–AI interaction.