This thesis proposes algorithms and techniques to be used for automatic recognition of six prototypic emotion categories by computer programs, based on the recognition of facial expressions and emotion patterns in voice. Considering the applicability in real-life conditions, the research is carried in the context of devising person independent methods that should be robust to various factors given the specificity of the considered modalities. An immediate focus represents the development of audio-visual algorithms and their implementation in form of software applications for automatic recognition of emotions.