A wrinkled nose, raised eyebrows, a frowning mouth—all can say a lot without uttering a single word. Facial expressions are the closest thing humans have to a universal language, and it could change our relationship with androids and other human-like robots.

Read This Next

Masked-up kids may struggle to communicate. Here’s how to help.
The uncanny valley, explained: Why you might find AI creepy
Capturing the ‘essence of touch' amid a pandemic

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet