Earticle

Teleoperated avatar robots can enable situated participation for individuals with mobility impairments, yet the psychological transition of these systems becoming "another body" is underexplored. This study proposes a model in which representational fidelity—accurately conveying a user's identity and intentions—enhances both social and physical presence, leading to extended embodiment, which encompasses aspects such as ownership, agency, and self-location. A preregistered mixed-methods experiment in South Korea compares avatar robots with videoconference conditions using multi-group and within-participant tests. Presence is assessed using validated scales, while representational fidelity is measured through congruence of identity and intent, as well as nonverbal synchrony. The study considers technology quality and effort expectancy (latency, stability, expressiveness) as moderators of the presence-embodiment relationship, utilizing objective logs to minimize bias. By linking representation, presence, and embodiment, the research offers design insights for inclusive telepresence in robotics for individuals with disabilities.