I do not think the article makes the case for the necessity of physical embodiment, as it seems that the author's issues could be addressed with a) data at a lo

I do not think the article makes the case for the necessity of physical embodiment, as it seems that the author's issues could be addressed with a) data at a lower level of abstraction, and b) more interaction. Arguably, however, physical embodiment is the fastest/easiest way to get enough of these things.