Will Humanlike Avatars Move Toward Mainstream Use?

British scientists have created what they say is the world's most realistic human avatar. Combining facial modeling and mathematical algorithms, 'Zoe' has advanced language function and displays a range of emotions. The technology could act as an assistant to business executives or a teacher's aide, especially to hearing-impaired or autistic children. The team believes the smartphone-and tablet-friendly avatar may have cracked the "uncanny valley," the point at which human replicas come close to being realistic but still cause discomfort among people.