okay so here's some of the deal with AI in my setting (like, sentient computer stuff)
One of the core assumptions that is true in this setting is that such a consciousness is transferable. This means that, given enough data throughput, an AI could transfer the entirety of their consciousness and memories over onto new hardware. This also holds true for naturally formed intelligences, but the focus of this post is AI so.
While it is possible for AIs to transfer themselves to new hardware, the process is lengthy and requires them to effectively go into the equivalent of being under a general anesthetic during the process or risk data corruption. Because of this, most AIs generally prefer to utilize modular 'core' bodies that house their entire consciousness, which can slot into a wide variety of compatible forms and machinery. Many day-to-day forms for AIs have these 'cores' filling the space of a 'head', but a wide variety of designs and forms are available.
Another core assumption regarding consciousness in general is that sleep serves as a sort of 'junk data cleanup' process for consciousness. If you think, you must sleep. This means that no matter your state, even if you no longer need to eat or drink, or never had to do those things in the first place, you still get tired and have to sleep eventually. There's no real escaping it.