The next step towards a function markup language

Abstract. In order to enable collaboration and exchange of modules for generating multimodal communicative behaviours of robots and virtual agents, the SAIBA initiative envisions the definition of two representa-tion languages. One of these is the Functional Markup Language (FML). This language specifies the communicative intent behind an agent’s be-haviour. Currently, several research groups have contributed to the dis-cussion on the definition of FML. The discussion reveals agreement on many points but it also points out important issues that need to be dealt with. This paper summarises the current state of affairs in thinking about FML.