SHORT ANSWER
Autonomy usually comes from choosing among limited behaviors according to state and context. Needs create pressure, moods bias choices, state machines keep actions coherent, utility scores compare options, and planners connect multiple steps. Randomness adds variation but needs constraints to remain legible.
State creates continuity
A pet that was tired, interrupted, or recently played with should not act as if every frame is a fresh start. Persistent state gives actions a before and after.
Choosing an action
State machines are predictable; utility systems score competing options; planners build action sequences; learned policies map observations to actions. Products often combine them, reserving deterministic controls for safety-critical movement.
Personality as bias
Personality can change thresholds, action weights, timing, and expression. A shy pet may approach slowly; an energetic pet may favor chase. Consistent bias is more convincing than random catchphrases.
Autonomy needs preemption
Direct touch, safety events, charging, and navigation hazards must interrupt lower-priority behavior cleanly. Without ownership and cooldown rules, autonomous systems look glitchy rather than alive.
How to read this topic
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Sources and further reading
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