Avatars are everywhere. Whether in computer games, in GPS systems or on home pages, virtual agents are there to make life in the digital world easier for humans. Computer scientists in Augsburg are now imbuing the computer figures with feelings to make them more human.An example is Alfred the Avatar. He can laugh, frown and even get really angry. This may sound like a technical game, but it has important applications. If an avatar appears to show feelings, users are more likely to accept it and develop an interest in the far from soulless technology.