Body Ownership Transfer by Social Interaction

Body ownership transfer (BOT) comprises the illusion that we feel external objects as parts of our own body, which occurs when teleoperating android robots. In past studies, we investigated the conditions under which this illusion occurs. However, these studies were conducted using only simple operation tasks, such as moving only the robot’s hand. Does this illusion occur during more complex tasks, such as conducting a conversation? What kind of conversation setting is required to invoke this illusion? In this study, we examined the manner in which factors in social interaction affect the occurrence of BOT. Participants conversed using the teleoperated robot under different conditions and teleoperation settings. The results revealed that BOT does occur during the task of conducting a conversation, and that the conversation partner’s presence and appropriate responses are necessary to enhance BOT.