Scientists are closer to creating a computer with emotions.

Researchers in Russia are expected to reveal an emotional computer within a year and a half, which will be able to think like a person and build up trust, its creators say.

The system, called 'Virtual Actor', is being created by the National Research Nuclear University in Moscow.

Its name was given because one of the main functions it will serve will be as an actor, playing the role of a specific person.

'The researchers say it will understand the context of what is going on, as well as keeping up with unfolding events.

The machine needs the ability to study not through programming or reinforcement learning, but as a thinking person, the researchers said.

The machine itself must be able to set learning goals, formulate questions to achieve these goals and actively seek the answers.

The researchers started by looking at how the human brain works.