LIREC is a European funded (FP7) research project exploring how we live with digital and interactive companions. The project addresses a number of key scientific and technical areas, which have previously received limited examination:

• A multi-aspect (perception, memory, emotions, communication, learning) theory of artificial long-term companions.
• An extended empirical evaluation undertaken in real social settings to validate the theory developed.
• Ethological issues in developing these long-term companion relationships.
• The effect of embodiment and migration on these long-term companion relationships.
• The development of a guideline framework for viable long-term companion technologies.