Smooth transitions, lip sync speech blend, body expression override mode, SendTextToSelectedAgent

- Replace FInterpConstantTo with FInterpTo (exponential ease-out) in all 4 anim components
- Apply SmoothStep to crossfade alphas for smooth animation transitions
- Add SpeechBlendAlpha to LipSync: fades out mouth curves when not speaking,
  letting FacialExpression emotion curves (including mouth) show through
- Remove LipSync AnimNode grace period zeroing to avoid overwriting emotion curves
- Revert BodyExpression to override mode (additive broken with full-pose anims)
- Default ExcludeBones = neck_01 to prevent Gaze/Posture conflicts
- Fix mid-crossfade animation pop in BodyExpression SwitchToNewAnim
- Add Neutral emotion fallback in Body and Facial expression components
- Add SendTextToSelectedAgent convenience method on InteractionComponent
- Add debug HUD display for BodyExpression component
- Update CoreRedirects for Posture → Gaze rename

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>

Unreal/PS_AI_Agent/Config/DefaultEngine.ini

@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ FontDPI=72
 ; ── Generic classes: ElevenLabs → PS_AI_ConvAgent ──
 +ClassRedirects=(OldName="ElevenLabsLipSyncComponent", NewName="PS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSyncComponent")
 +ClassRedirects=(OldName="ElevenLabsFacialExpressionComponent", NewName="PS_AI_ConvAgent_FacialExpressionComponent")
-+ClassRedirects=(OldName="ElevenLabsPostureComponent", NewName="PS_AI_ConvAgent_PostureComponent")
++ClassRedirects=(OldName="ElevenLabsPostureComponent", NewName="PS_AI_ConvAgent_GazeComponent")
 +ClassRedirects=(OldName="ElevenLabsMicrophoneCaptureComponent", NewName="PS_AI_ConvAgent_MicrophoneCaptureComponent")
 +ClassRedirects=(OldName="ElevenLabsLipSyncPoseMap", NewName="PS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSyncPoseMap")
 +ClassRedirects=(OldName="ElevenLabsEmotionPoseMap", NewName="PS_AI_ConvAgent_EmotionPoseMap")
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ FontDPI=72
 ; ── Generic classes: PS_AI_Agent → PS_AI_ConvAgent (intermediate rename) ──
 +ClassRedirects=(OldName="PS_AI_Agent_LipSyncComponent", NewName="PS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSyncComponent")
 +ClassRedirects=(OldName="PS_AI_Agent_FacialExpressionComponent", NewName="PS_AI_ConvAgent_FacialExpressionComponent")
-+ClassRedirects=(OldName="PS_AI_Agent_PostureComponent", NewName="PS_AI_ConvAgent_PostureComponent")
++ClassRedirects=(OldName="PS_AI_Agent_PostureComponent", NewName="PS_AI_ConvAgent_GazeComponent")
 +ClassRedirects=(OldName="PS_AI_Agent_MicrophoneCaptureComponent", NewName="PS_AI_ConvAgent_MicrophoneCaptureComponent")
 +ClassRedirects=(OldName="PS_AI_Agent_LipSyncPoseMap", NewName="PS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSyncPoseMap")
 +ClassRedirects=(OldName="PS_AI_Agent_EmotionPoseMap", NewName="PS_AI_ConvAgent_EmotionPoseMap")
@@ -114,18 +114,23 @@ FontDPI=72
 ; ── AnimNode structs ──
 +StructRedirects=(OldName="AnimNode_ElevenLabsLipSync", NewName="AnimNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSync")
 +StructRedirects=(OldName="AnimNode_ElevenLabsFacialExpression", NewName="AnimNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_FacialExpression")
-+StructRedirects=(OldName="AnimNode_ElevenLabsPosture", NewName="AnimNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_Posture")
++StructRedirects=(OldName="AnimNode_ElevenLabsPosture", NewName="AnimNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_Gaze")
 +StructRedirects=(OldName="AnimNode_PS_AI_Agent_LipSync", NewName="AnimNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSync")
 +StructRedirects=(OldName="AnimNode_PS_AI_Agent_FacialExpression", NewName="AnimNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_FacialExpression")
-+StructRedirects=(OldName="AnimNode_PS_AI_Agent_Posture", NewName="AnimNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_Posture")
++StructRedirects=(OldName="AnimNode_PS_AI_Agent_Posture", NewName="AnimNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_Gaze")
 
 ; ── AnimGraphNode classes ──
 +ClassRedirects=(OldName="AnimGraphNode_ElevenLabsLipSync", NewName="AnimGraphNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSync")
 +ClassRedirects=(OldName="AnimGraphNode_ElevenLabsFacialExpression", NewName="AnimGraphNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_FacialExpression")
-+ClassRedirects=(OldName="AnimGraphNode_ElevenLabsPosture", NewName="AnimGraphNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_Posture")
++ClassRedirects=(OldName="AnimGraphNode_ElevenLabsPosture", NewName="AnimGraphNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_Gaze")
 +ClassRedirects=(OldName="AnimGraphNode_PS_AI_Agent_LipSync", NewName="AnimGraphNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSync")
 +ClassRedirects=(OldName="AnimGraphNode_PS_AI_Agent_FacialExpression", NewName="AnimGraphNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_FacialExpression")
-+ClassRedirects=(OldName="AnimGraphNode_PS_AI_Agent_Posture", NewName="AnimGraphNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_Posture")
++ClassRedirects=(OldName="AnimGraphNode_PS_AI_Agent_Posture", NewName="AnimGraphNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_Gaze")
+
+; ── Posture → Gaze rename ──
++ClassRedirects=(OldName="PS_AI_ConvAgent_PostureComponent", NewName="PS_AI_ConvAgent_GazeComponent")
++StructRedirects=(OldName="AnimNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_Posture", NewName="AnimNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_Gaze")
++ClassRedirects=(OldName="AnimGraphNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_Posture", NewName="AnimGraphNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_Gaze")
 
 ; ── Factory classes ──
 +ClassRedirects=(OldName="ElevenLabsLipSyncPoseMapFactory", NewName="PS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSyncPoseMapFactory")

Unreal/PS_AI_Agent/Plugins/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Source/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Private/AnimNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpression.cpp

@@ -127,7 +127,10 @@ void FAnimNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpression::Evaluate_AnyThread(FPoseContext&
 
 	const bool bHavePrevPose = bCrossfading && PrevPose.GetNumBones() > 0;
 
-	// ── Per-bone blend ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+	// ── Per-bone blend (override mode) ──────────────────────────────────────
+	// Lerp each bone from the upstream pose toward the expression pose,
+	// weighted by the bone mask and activation alpha.
+	// ExcludeBones (default: neck_01) prevents conflicts with Gaze/Posture.
 	for (int32 CompactIdx = 0; CompactIdx < NumBones; ++CompactIdx)
 	{
 		if (BoneMask[CompactIdx] <= 0.0f)
@@ -136,18 +139,19 @@ void FAnimNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpression::Evaluate_AnyThread(FPoseContext&
 		const FCompactPoseBoneIndex BoneIdx(CompactIdx);
 		const float W = BoneMask[CompactIdx] * FinalWeight;
 
+		// Compute the expression pose (handle crossfade between prev and active)
+		FTransform ExpressionPose;
 		if (bHavePrevPose)
 		{
-			// Crossfade between previous and active emotion poses
+			ExpressionPose.Blend(PrevPose[BoneIdx], ActivePose[BoneIdx], CachedSnapshot.CrossfadeAlpha);
-			FTransform BlendedEmotion;
-			BlendedEmotion.Blend(PrevPose[BoneIdx], ActivePose[BoneIdx], CachedSnapshot.CrossfadeAlpha);
-			Output.Pose[BoneIdx].BlendWith(BlendedEmotion, W);
 		}
 		else
 		{
-			// Direct blend with active emotion pose
+			ExpressionPose = ActivePose[BoneIdx];
-			Output.Pose[BoneIdx].BlendWith(ActivePose[BoneIdx], W);
 		}
+
+		// Override: replace (lerp) upstream toward expression pose
+		Output.Pose[BoneIdx].BlendWith(ExpressionPose, W);
 	}
 }
 
@@ -169,59 +173,111 @@ void FAnimNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpression::BuildBoneMask(const FBoneContaine
 	BoneMask.SetNumZeroed(NumBones);
 	bBoneMaskValid = false;
 
-	// Full body mode: all bones get weight 1.0
+	const FReferenceSkeleton& RefSkel = RequiredBones.GetReferenceSkeleton();
+	const TArray<FBoneIndexType>& BoneIndices = RequiredBones.GetBoneIndicesArray();
+
+	// ── Step 1: Build initial mask (include) ──────────────────────────────
+
 	if (!bUpperBodyOnly)
 	{
+		// Full body mode: all bones get weight 1.0
 		for (int32 i = 0; i < NumBones; ++i)
 		{
 			BoneMask[i] = 1.0f;
 		}
-		bBoneMaskValid = (NumBones > 0);
-
-		UE_LOG(LogPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExprAnimNode, Log,
-			TEXT("Bone mask built: FULL BODY (%d bones)."), NumBones);
-		return;
 	}
-
+	else
-	// Upper body mode: only BlendRootBone descendants
-	const FReferenceSkeleton& RefSkel = RequiredBones.GetReferenceSkeleton();
-	const int32 RootMeshIdx = RefSkel.FindBoneIndex(BlendRootBone);
-
-	if (RootMeshIdx == INDEX_NONE)
 	{
-		UE_LOG(LogPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExprAnimNode, Warning,
+		// Upper body mode: only BlendRootBone descendants
-			TEXT("BlendRootBone '%s' not found in skeleton. Body expression disabled."),
+		const int32 RootMeshIdx = RefSkel.FindBoneIndex(BlendRootBone);
-			*BlendRootBone.ToString());
+
-		return;
+		if (RootMeshIdx == INDEX_NONE)
+		{
+			UE_LOG(LogPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExprAnimNode, Warning,
+				TEXT("BlendRootBone '%s' not found in skeleton. Body expression disabled."),
+				*BlendRootBone.ToString());
+			return;
+		}
+
+		for (int32 CompactIdx = 0; CompactIdx < NumBones; ++CompactIdx)
+		{
+			const int32 MeshIdx = static_cast<int32>(BoneIndices[CompactIdx]);
+
+			// Walk up the parent chain: if BlendRootBone is an ancestor
+			// (or is this bone itself), mark it for blending.
+			int32 Current = MeshIdx;
+			while (Current != INDEX_NONE)
+			{
+				if (Current == RootMeshIdx)
+				{
+					BoneMask[CompactIdx] = 1.0f;
+					break;
+				}
+				Current = RefSkel.GetParentIndex(Current);
+			}
+		}
 	}
 
-	const TArray<FBoneIndexType>& BoneIndices = RequiredBones.GetBoneIndicesArray();
+	// ── Step 2: Exclude bone subtrees ────────────────────────────────────
+	// For each exclude bone, zero out it and all its descendants.
+	// This prevents conflicts with Gaze/Posture on neck/head bones.
+
+	int32 ExcludedCount = 0;
+	if (ExcludeBones.Num() > 0)
+	{
+		// Collect mesh indices for all exclude roots
+		TArray<int32> ExcludeRootIndices;
+		for (const FName& BoneName : ExcludeBones)
+		{
+			const int32 ExclIdx = RefSkel.FindBoneIndex(BoneName);
+			if (ExclIdx != INDEX_NONE)
+			{
+				ExcludeRootIndices.Add(ExclIdx);
+			}
+			else
+			{
+				UE_LOG(LogPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExprAnimNode, Warning,
+					TEXT("ExcludeBone '%s' not found in skeleton — ignored."),
+					*BoneName.ToString());
+			}
+		}
+
+		// Zero out any bone whose parent chain includes an exclude root
+		for (int32 CompactIdx = 0; CompactIdx < NumBones; ++CompactIdx)
+		{
+			if (BoneMask[CompactIdx] <= 0.0f)
+				continue;  // Already excluded or not included
+
+			const int32 MeshIdx = static_cast<int32>(BoneIndices[CompactIdx]);
+			int32 Current = MeshIdx;
+			while (Current != INDEX_NONE)
+			{
+				if (ExcludeRootIndices.Contains(Current))
+				{
+					BoneMask[CompactIdx] = 0.0f;
+					++ExcludedCount;
+					break;
+				}
+				Current = RefSkel.GetParentIndex(Current);
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	// ── Count final active bones ─────────────────────────────────────────
 
 	int32 MaskedCount = 0;
-	for (int32 CompactIdx = 0; CompactIdx < NumBones; ++CompactIdx)
+	for (int32 i = 0; i < NumBones; ++i)
 	{
-		const int32 MeshIdx = static_cast<int32>(BoneIndices[CompactIdx]);
+		if (BoneMask[i] > 0.0f)
-
+			++MaskedCount;
-		// Walk up the parent chain: if BlendRootBone is an ancestor
-		// (or is this bone itself), mark it for blending.
-		int32 Current = MeshIdx;
-		while (Current != INDEX_NONE)
-		{
-			if (Current == RootMeshIdx)
-			{
-				BoneMask[CompactIdx] = 1.0f;
-				++MaskedCount;
-				break;
-			}
-			Current = RefSkel.GetParentIndex(Current);
-		}
 	}
 
 	bBoneMaskValid = (MaskedCount > 0);
 
 	UE_LOG(LogPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExprAnimNode, Log,
-		TEXT("Bone mask built: %d/%d bones from root '%s'."),
+		TEXT("Bone mask built: %d/%d active bones (root='%s', excluded=%d from %d subtrees)."),
-		MaskedCount, NumBones, *BlendRootBone.ToString());
+		MaskedCount, NumBones, *BlendRootBone.ToString(),
+		ExcludedCount, ExcludeBones.Num());
 }
 
 // ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Unreal/PS_AI_Agent/Plugins/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Source/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Private/AnimNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSync.cpp

@@ -89,17 +89,15 @@ void FAnimNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSync::Evaluate_AnyThread(FPoseContext& Output)
 
 	// ── Inject lip sync curves into the pose output ──────────────────────
 	//
-	// IMPORTANT: Always write ALL curves that lip sync has ever touched,
+	// While lip sync is producing curves: write them all (including 0s)
-	// including at 0.0.  If we skip near-zero curves, upstream animation
+	// and track every curve name in KnownCurveNames.
-	// values (idle expressions, breathing, etc.) leak through and cause
-	// visible pops when lip sync curves cross the threshold.
 	//
-	// Strategy:
+	// When lip sync goes silent (CachedCurves empty): release immediately.
-	//   - While lip sync is producing curves: write them all (including 0s)
+	// The component's SpeechBlendAlpha already handles smooth fade-out,
-	//     and track every curve name in KnownCurveNames.
+	// so by the time CachedCurves becomes empty, values have already
-	//   - After lip sync goes silent: keep writing 0s for a grace period
+	// decayed to near-zero. Releasing immediately allows the upstream
-	//     (30 frames ≈ 0.5s) so the upstream can blend back in smoothly
+	// FacialExpressionComponent's emotion curves (including mouth) to
-	//     via the component's activation alpha, then release.
+	// flow through without being overwritten by zeros.
 
 	if (CachedCurves.Num() > 0)
 	{
@@ -113,7 +111,9 @@ void FAnimNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSync::Evaluate_AnyThread(FPoseContext& Output)
 		}
 
 		// Zero any known curves NOT in the current frame
-		// (e.g. a blendshape that was active last frame but decayed away)
+		// (e.g. a blendshape that was active last frame but decayed away).
+		// This prevents upstream animation values from leaking through
+		// during active speech when a curve temporarily goes to zero.
 		for (const FName& Name : KnownCurveNames)
 		{
 			if (!CachedCurves.Contains(Name))
@@ -124,23 +124,11 @@ void FAnimNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSync::Evaluate_AnyThread(FPoseContext& Output)
 	}
 	else if (KnownCurveNames.Num() > 0)
 	{
-		// Lip sync went silent — keep zeroing known curves for a grace
+		// Lip sync went silent — release immediately.
-		// period so upstream values don't pop in abruptly.
+		// The smooth fade-out was handled at the component level
-		++FramesSinceLastActive;
+		// (SpeechBlendAlpha), so upstream emotion curves can take over.
-
+		KnownCurveNames.Reset();
-		if (FramesSinceLastActive < 30)
+		FramesSinceLastActive = 0;
-		{
-			for (const FName& Name : KnownCurveNames)
-			{
-				Output.Curve.Set(Name, 0.0f);
-			}
-		}
-		else
-		{
-			// Grace period over — release curves, let upstream through
-			KnownCurveNames.Reset();
-			FramesSinceLastActive = 0;
-		}
 	}
 }
 

Unreal/PS_AI_Agent/Plugins/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Source/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Private/PS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpressionComponent.cpp

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 #include "PS_AI_ConvAgent_ElevenLabsComponent.h"
 #include "PS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyPoseMap.h"
 #include "Animation/AnimSequence.h"
+#include "Engine/Engine.h"
 
 DEFINE_LOG_CATEGORY_STATIC(LogPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpr, Log, All);
 
@@ -119,6 +120,12 @@ const TArray<TObjectPtr<UAnimSequence>>* UPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpressionComponen
 	if (!BodyPoseMap) return nullptr;
 
 	const FPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyAnimList* AnimList = BodyPoseMap->BodyPoses.Find(Emotion);
+
+	// Fallback to Neutral if the requested emotion has no entry in the data asset
+	if (!AnimList && Emotion != EPS_AI_ConvAgent_Emotion::Neutral)
+	{
+		AnimList = BodyPoseMap->BodyPoses.Find(EPS_AI_ConvAgent_Emotion::Neutral);
+	}
 	if (!AnimList) return nullptr;
 
 	if (!bSpeaking)
@@ -178,25 +185,49 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpressionComponent::SwitchToNewAnim(UAnimSequence* Ne
 	if (!bForce && NewAnim == ActiveAnim) return;
 	if (!NewAnim) return;
 
-	// Current active becomes previous for crossfade
+	if (CrossfadeAlpha < 1.0f && PrevAnim)
-	PrevAnim = ActiveAnim;
-	PrevPlaybackTime = ActivePlaybackTime;
-
-	// New anim starts from the beginning
-	ActiveAnim = NewAnim;
-	ActivePlaybackTime = 0.0f;
-
-	// Begin crossfade
-	CrossfadeAlpha = 0.0f;
-
-	if (bDebug && DebugVerbosity >= 1)
 	{
-		UE_LOG(LogPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpr, Log,
+		// Mid-crossfade: a crossfade is already in progress.
-			TEXT("Body anim switch: %s → %s (%s, %s)"),
+		// DON'T reset CrossfadeAlpha — just swap the target animation.
-			PrevAnim ? *PrevAnim->GetName() : TEXT("(none)"),
+		// This preserves PrevAnim's contribution and avoids a visual pop.
-			*NewAnim->GetName(),
+		//
-			bIsSpeaking ? TEXT("speaking") : TEXT("idle"),
+		//   Before: Blend(PrevAnim, OldActive, alpha)   e.g. 70% Prev + 30% Active
-			*UEnum::GetValueAsString(ActiveEmotion));
+		//   After:  Blend(PrevAnim, NewAnim,   alpha)   e.g. 70% Prev + 30% New
+		//
+		// The crossfade continues naturally — New fades in, Prev fades out.
+		// Pop is only 30% * (New@0 - OldActive@t) instead of 70% * (Prev - Active).
+		ActiveAnim = NewAnim;
+		ActivePlaybackTime = 0.0f;
+		// CrossfadeAlpha stays where it is — continuity
+
+		if (bDebug && DebugVerbosity >= 1)
+		{
+			UE_LOG(LogPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpr, Log,
+				TEXT("Body anim switch (MID-CROSSFADE α=%.2f): target → %s (%s, %s)"),
+				CrossfadeAlpha, *NewAnim->GetName(),
+				bIsSpeaking ? TEXT("speaking") : TEXT("idle"),
+				*UEnum::GetValueAsString(ActiveEmotion));
+		}
+	}
+	else
+	{
+		// No crossfade in progress — normal switch with full crossfade
+		PrevAnim = ActiveAnim;
+		PrevPlaybackTime = ActivePlaybackTime;
+
+		ActiveAnim = NewAnim;
+		ActivePlaybackTime = 0.0f;
+		CrossfadeAlpha = 0.0f;
+
+		if (bDebug && DebugVerbosity >= 1)
+		{
+			UE_LOG(LogPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpr, Log,
+				TEXT("Body anim switch: %s → %s (%s, %s)"),
+				PrevAnim ? *PrevAnim->GetName() : TEXT("(none)"),
+				*NewAnim->GetName(),
+				bIsSpeaking ? TEXT("speaking") : TEXT("idle"),
+				*UEnum::GetValueAsString(ActiveEmotion));
+		}
 	}
 }
 
@@ -221,6 +252,8 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpressionComponent::OnConversationConnected(
 {
 	bActive = true;
 	bIsSpeaking = false;
+	LastEventName = TEXT("Connected");
+	LastEventWorldTime = GetWorld() ? GetWorld()->GetTimeSeconds() : 0.0f;
 
 	// Start with an idle anim
 	PickAndSwitchAnim();
@@ -237,6 +270,8 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpressionComponent::OnConversationDisconnected(
 {
 	bActive = false;
 	bIsSpeaking = false;
+	LastEventName = TEXT("Disconnected");
+	LastEventWorldTime = GetWorld() ? GetWorld()->GetTimeSeconds() : 0.0f;
 
 	if (bDebug)
 	{
@@ -252,6 +287,8 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpressionComponent::OnConversationDisconnected(
 void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpressionComponent::OnSpeakingStarted()
 {
 	bIsSpeaking = true;
+	LastEventName = TEXT("SpeakStart");
+	LastEventWorldTime = GetWorld() ? GetWorld()->GetTimeSeconds() : 0.0f;
 
 	// Crossfade from idle anim to a speaking anim
 	PickAndSwitchAnim();
@@ -266,6 +303,8 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpressionComponent::OnSpeakingStarted()
 void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpressionComponent::OnSpeakingStopped()
 {
 	bIsSpeaking = false;
+	LastEventName = TEXT("SpeakStop");
+	LastEventWorldTime = GetWorld() ? GetWorld()->GetTimeSeconds() : 0.0f;
 
 	// Crossfade from speaking anim to an idle anim
 	PickAndSwitchAnim();
@@ -280,6 +319,8 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpressionComponent::OnSpeakingStopped()
 void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpressionComponent::OnInterrupted()
 {
 	bIsSpeaking = false;
+	LastEventName = TEXT("Interrupted");
+	LastEventWorldTime = GetWorld() ? GetWorld()->GetTimeSeconds() : 0.0f;
 
 	// Crossfade to idle anim
 	PickAndSwitchAnim();
@@ -303,6 +344,9 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpressionComponent::OnEmotionChanged(
 
 	ActiveEmotion = Emotion;
 	ActiveEmotionIntensity = Intensity;
+	LastEventName = FString::Printf(TEXT("Emotion:%s"),
+		*UEnum::GetDisplayValueAsText(Emotion).ToString());
+	LastEventWorldTime = GetWorld() ? GetWorld()->GetTimeSeconds() : 0.0f;
 
 	// Pick a new anim from the appropriate list for the new emotion
 	PickAndSwitchAnim();
@@ -358,9 +402,12 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpressionComponent::TickComponent(
 		const float TargetAlpha = bActive ? 1.0f : 0.0f;
 		if (!FMath::IsNearlyEqual(CurrentActiveAlpha, TargetAlpha, 0.001f))
 		{
-			const float BlendSpeed = 1.0f / FMath::Max(ActivationBlendDuration, 0.01f);
+			// Exponential ease-out: fast start, gradual approach to target.
-			CurrentActiveAlpha = FMath::FInterpConstantTo(
+			// Factor of 3 compensates for FInterpTo's exponential decay
-				CurrentActiveAlpha, TargetAlpha, DeltaTime, BlendSpeed);
+			// reaching ~95% in ActivationBlendDuration seconds.
+			const float InterpSpeed = 3.0f / FMath::Max(ActivationBlendDuration, 0.01f);
+			CurrentActiveAlpha = FMath::FInterpTo(
+				CurrentActiveAlpha, TargetAlpha, DeltaTime, InterpSpeed);
 		}
 		else
 		{
@@ -416,6 +463,8 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpressionComponent::TickComponent(
 			if (NewAnim)
 			{
 				SwitchToNewAnim(NewAnim, true);
+				LastEventName = TEXT("AutoCycle");
+				LastEventWorldTime = GetWorld() ? GetWorld()->GetTimeSeconds() : 0.0f;
 
 				if (bDebug && DebugVerbosity >= 2)
 				{
@@ -449,8 +498,80 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpressionComponent::TickComponent(
 		CurrentSnapshot.PrevAnim = PrevAnim;
 		CurrentSnapshot.ActiveTime = ActivePlaybackTime;
 		CurrentSnapshot.PrevTime = PrevPlaybackTime;
-		CurrentSnapshot.CrossfadeAlpha = CrossfadeAlpha;
+		// Apply SmoothStep for ease-in-out crossfade (raw alpha is linear)
+		CurrentSnapshot.CrossfadeAlpha = FMath::SmoothStep(0.0f, 1.0f, CrossfadeAlpha);
 		CurrentSnapshot.ActivationAlpha = CurrentActiveAlpha;
 		CurrentSnapshot.BlendWeight = BlendWeight;
 	}
+
+	// ── On-screen debug HUD ───────────────────────────────────────────────
+	if (bDebug && DebugVerbosity >= 1)
+	{
+		DrawDebugHUD();
+	}
+}
+
+// ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+// On-screen debug display
+// ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpressionComponent::DrawDebugHUD() const
+{
+	if (!GEngine) return;
+
+	const float WorldTime = GetWorld() ? GetWorld()->GetTimeSeconds() : 0.0f;
+	const float EventAge = WorldTime - LastEventWorldTime;
+
+	// Active anim name
+	FString ActiveName = ActiveAnim ? ActiveAnim->GetName() : TEXT("(none)");
+	FString PrevName = PrevAnim ? PrevAnim->GetName() : TEXT("---");
+
+	// Smoothed crossfade for display
+	const float SmoothedCrossfade = FMath::SmoothStep(0.0f, 1.0f, CrossfadeAlpha);
+
+	// State label
+	FString StateStr;
+	if (!bActive)
+		StateStr = TEXT("INACTIVE");
+	else if (bIsSpeaking)
+		StateStr = TEXT("SPEAKING");
+	else
+		StateStr = TEXT("IDLE");
+
+	// Event label with age
+	FString EventStr = LastEventName.IsEmpty()
+		? TEXT("---")
+		: FString::Printf(TEXT("%s (%.1fs ago)"), *LastEventName, EventAge);
+
+	// Use key offset to avoid colliding with other debug messages
+	// Keys 2000-2010 reserved for BodyExpression
+	const int32 BaseKey = 2000;
+	const float DisplayTime = 0.0f;  // Refresh every frame
+	const FColor MainColor = FColor::Cyan;
+	const FColor WarnColor = FColor::Yellow;
+
+	GEngine->AddOnScreenDebugMessage(BaseKey, DisplayTime, MainColor,
+		FString::Printf(TEXT("=== BODY EXPR: %s ==="), *StateStr));
+
+	GEngine->AddOnScreenDebugMessage(BaseKey + 1, DisplayTime, MainColor,
+		FString::Printf(TEXT("  ActivationAlpha: %.3f  (target: %s)"),
+			CurrentActiveAlpha, bActive ? TEXT("1") : TEXT("0")));
+
+	GEngine->AddOnScreenDebugMessage(BaseKey + 2, DisplayTime, MainColor,
+		FString::Printf(TEXT("  Active: %s  t=%.2f"), *ActiveName, ActivePlaybackTime));
+
+	GEngine->AddOnScreenDebugMessage(BaseKey + 3, DisplayTime,
+		CrossfadeAlpha < 1.0f ? WarnColor : MainColor,
+		FString::Printf(TEXT("  Crossfade: %.3f (smooth: %.3f)  Prev: %s"),
+			CrossfadeAlpha, SmoothedCrossfade, *PrevName));
+
+	GEngine->AddOnScreenDebugMessage(BaseKey + 4, DisplayTime, MainColor,
+		FString::Printf(TEXT("  Emotion: %s (%s)  Weight: %.2f"),
+			*UEnum::GetDisplayValueAsText(ActiveEmotion).ToString(),
+			*UEnum::GetDisplayValueAsText(ActiveEmotionIntensity).ToString(),
+			BlendWeight));
+
+	GEngine->AddOnScreenDebugMessage(BaseKey + 5, DisplayTime,
+		EventAge < 1.0f ? FColor::Green : MainColor,
+		FString::Printf(TEXT("  LastEvent: %s"), *EventStr));
 }

Unreal/PS_AI_Agent/Plugins/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Source/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Private/PS_AI_ConvAgent_FacialExpressionComponent.cpp

@@ -136,6 +136,12 @@ UAnimSequence* UPS_AI_ConvAgent_FacialExpressionComponent::FindAnimForEmotion(
 	if (!EmotionPoseMap) return nullptr;
 
 	const FPS_AI_ConvAgent_EmotionPoseSet* PoseSet = EmotionPoseMap->EmotionPoses.Find(Emotion);
+
+	// Fallback to Neutral if the requested emotion has no entry in the data asset
+	if (!PoseSet && Emotion != EPS_AI_ConvAgent_Emotion::Neutral)
+	{
+		PoseSet = EmotionPoseMap->EmotionPoses.Find(EPS_AI_ConvAgent_Emotion::Neutral);
+	}
 	if (!PoseSet) return nullptr;
 
 	// Direct match
@@ -282,9 +288,10 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_FacialExpressionComponent::TickComponent(
 		const float TargetAlpha = bActive ? 1.0f : 0.0f;
 		if (!FMath::IsNearlyEqual(CurrentActiveAlpha, TargetAlpha, 0.001f))
 		{
-			const float BlendSpeed = 1.0f / FMath::Max(ActivationBlendDuration, 0.01f);
+			// Exponential ease-out: fast start, gradual approach to target.
-			CurrentActiveAlpha = FMath::FInterpConstantTo(
+			const float InterpSpeed = 3.0f / FMath::Max(ActivationBlendDuration, 0.01f);
-				CurrentActiveAlpha, TargetAlpha, DeltaTime, BlendSpeed);
+			CurrentActiveAlpha = FMath::FInterpTo(
+				CurrentActiveAlpha, TargetAlpha, DeltaTime, InterpSpeed);
 		}
 		else
 		{
@@ -356,13 +363,16 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_FacialExpressionComponent::TickComponent(
 		for (const auto& P : ActiveCurves) AllCurves.Add(P.Key);
 		for (const auto& P : PrevCurves) AllCurves.Add(P.Key);
 
+		// Apply SmoothStep for ease-in-out crossfade (raw alpha is linear)
+		const float SmoothedCrossfade = FMath::SmoothStep(0.0f, 1.0f, CrossfadeAlpha);
+
 		for (const FName& CurveName : AllCurves)
 		{
 			const float PrevVal = PrevCurves.Contains(CurveName)
 				? PrevCurves[CurveName] : 0.0f;
 			const float ActiveVal = ActiveCurves.Contains(CurveName)
 				? ActiveCurves[CurveName] : 0.0f;
-			const float Blended = FMath::Lerp(PrevVal, ActiveVal, CrossfadeAlpha);
+			const float Blended = FMath::Lerp(PrevVal, ActiveVal, SmoothedCrossfade);
 
 			// Always include the curve even at 0 — the AnimNode needs
 			// to see it to block upstream values from popping through.

Unreal/PS_AI_Agent/Plugins/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Source/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Private/PS_AI_ConvAgent_GazeComponent.cpp

@@ -3,7 +3,9 @@
 #include "PS_AI_ConvAgent_GazeComponent.h"
 #include "PS_AI_ConvAgent_ElevenLabsComponent.h"
 #include "Components/SkeletalMeshComponent.h"
+#include "Camera/CameraComponent.h"
 #include "GameFramework/Actor.h"
+#include "GameFramework/Pawn.h"
 #include "Math/UnrealMathUtility.h"
 #include "DrawDebugHelpers.h"
 
@@ -38,7 +40,8 @@ static const FName TargetHeadBone(TEXT("head"));
  * bAutoTargetEyes = true:
  *   1. Try eye bones (FACIAL_L_Eye / FACIAL_R_Eye midpoint) on the target's Face mesh.
  *   2. Fallback to "head" bone on any skeletal mesh.
- *   3. Fallback to TargetActor origin + (0, 0, FallbackEyeHeight).
+ *   3. Fallback to CameraComponent location (first-person pawn).
+ *   4. Fallback to TargetActor origin + (0, 0, FallbackEyeHeight) for non-camera actors.
  *
  * bAutoTargetEyes = false:
  *   Always returns TargetActor origin + TargetOffset.
@@ -76,7 +79,15 @@ static FVector ResolveTargetPosition(const AActor* Target, bool bAutoEyes,
 			}
 		}
 
-		// No skeleton — use FallbackEyeHeight
+		// Fallback: CameraComponent — the canonical eye position for
+		// first-person pawns and any actor with an active camera.
+		if (const UCameraComponent* Cam =
+			const_cast<AActor*>(Target)->FindComponentByClass<UCameraComponent>())
+		{
+			return Cam->GetComponentLocation();
+		}
+
+		// Final fallback: actor origin + height offset
 		return Target->GetActorLocation() + FVector(0.0f, 0.0f, FallbackHeight);
 	}
 
@@ -335,9 +346,10 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_GazeComponent::TickComponent(
 		const float TargetAlpha = bActive ? 1.0f : 0.0f;
 		if (!FMath::IsNearlyEqual(CurrentActiveAlpha, TargetAlpha, 0.001f))
 		{
-			const float BlendSpeed = 1.0f / FMath::Max(ActivationBlendDuration, 0.01f);
+			// Exponential ease-out: fast start, gradual approach to target.
-			CurrentActiveAlpha = FMath::FInterpConstantTo(
+			const float InterpSpeed = 3.0f / FMath::Max(ActivationBlendDuration, 0.01f);
-				CurrentActiveAlpha, TargetAlpha, SafeDeltaTime, BlendSpeed);
+			CurrentActiveAlpha = FMath::FInterpTo(
+				CurrentActiveAlpha, TargetAlpha, SafeDeltaTime, InterpSpeed);
 		}
 		else
 		{

Unreal/PS_AI_Agent/Plugins/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Source/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Private/PS_AI_ConvAgent_InteractionComponent.cpp

@@ -476,6 +476,37 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_InteractionComponent::StartConversationWithSelectedAgent()
 	}
 }
 
+void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_InteractionComponent::SendTextToSelectedAgent(const FString& Text)
+{
+	UPS_AI_ConvAgent_ElevenLabsComponent* Agent = SelectedAgent.Get();
+	if (!Agent)
+	{
+		if (bDebug)
+		{
+			UE_LOG(LogPS_AI_ConvAgent_Select, Warning,
+				TEXT("SendTextToSelectedAgent: no agent selected."));
+		}
+		return;
+	}
+
+	// Route through relay on clients (can't call Server RPCs on NPC actors).
+	if (GetOwnerRole() == ROLE_Authority || (GetWorld() && GetWorld()->GetNetMode() == NM_Standalone))
+	{
+		Agent->SendTextMessage(Text);
+	}
+	else
+	{
+		ServerRelaySendText(Agent->GetOwner(), Text);
+	}
+
+	if (bDebug)
+	{
+		UE_LOG(LogPS_AI_ConvAgent_Select, Log,
+			TEXT("SendTextToSelectedAgent: \"%s\" → %s"),
+			*Text, Agent->GetOwner() ? *Agent->GetOwner()->GetName() : TEXT("(null)"));
+	}
+}
+
 // ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 // Gaze helpers
 // ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Unreal/PS_AI_Agent/Plugins/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Source/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Private/PS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSyncComponent.cpp

@@ -702,9 +702,10 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSyncComponent::TickComponent(float DeltaTime, ELevelTic
 		const float TargetAlpha = bActive ? 1.0f : 0.0f;
 		if (!FMath::IsNearlyEqual(CurrentActiveAlpha, TargetAlpha, 0.001f))
 		{
-			const float BlendSpeed = 1.0f / FMath::Max(ActivationBlendDuration, 0.01f);
+			// Exponential ease-out: fast start, gradual approach to target.
-			CurrentActiveAlpha = FMath::FInterpConstantTo(
+			const float InterpSpeed = 3.0f / FMath::Max(ActivationBlendDuration, 0.01f);
-				CurrentActiveAlpha, TargetAlpha, DeltaTime, BlendSpeed);
+			CurrentActiveAlpha = FMath::FInterpTo(
+				CurrentActiveAlpha, TargetAlpha, DeltaTime, InterpSpeed);
 		}
 		else
 		{
@@ -712,6 +713,24 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSyncComponent::TickComponent(float DeltaTime, ELevelTic
 		}
 	}
 
+	// ── Smooth speech blend ────────────────────────────────────────────────
+	// Fades lip sync curves in/out when speech starts/stops.
+	// When not speaking, lip sync releases all mouth curves so emotion
+	// facial expression (from FacialExpressionComponent) controls the mouth.
+	{
+		const float TargetSpeech = bIsSpeaking ? 1.0f : 0.0f;
+		if (!FMath::IsNearlyEqual(SpeechBlendAlpha, TargetSpeech, 0.001f))
+		{
+			const float SpeechSpeed = 3.0f / FMath::Max(SpeechBlendDuration, 0.01f);
+			SpeechBlendAlpha = FMath::FInterpTo(
+				SpeechBlendAlpha, TargetSpeech, DeltaTime, SpeechSpeed);
+		}
+		else
+		{
+			SpeechBlendAlpha = TargetSpeech;
+		}
+	}
+
 	// ── Lazy binding: in packaged builds, BeginPlay may run before the ────────
 	// ElevenLabsComponent is fully initialized. Retry discovery until bound.
 	if (!AgentComponent.IsValid())
@@ -858,6 +877,12 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSyncComponent::TickComponent(float DeltaTime, ELevelTic
 			{
 				bVisemeTimelineActive = false;
 
+				// Fallback: mark as not speaking when timeline ends
+				if (bIsSpeaking && AudioEnvelopeValue < 0.01f)
+				{
+					bIsSpeaking = false;
+				}
+
 				if (AccumulatedText.Len() > 0 && bTextVisemesApplied && bFullTextReceived)
 				{
 					AccumulatedText.Reset();
@@ -964,6 +989,14 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSyncComponent::TickComponent(float DeltaTime, ELevelTic
 			TargetVisemes.FindOrAdd(FName("sil")) = 1.0f;
 			PlaybackTimer = 0.0f;
 
+			// Fallback: if the queue has been dry and envelope is near zero,
+			// mark as not speaking. OnAgentStopped should have already done this,
+			// but this handles edge cases where the event doesn't fire.
+			if (bIsSpeaking && AudioEnvelopeValue < 0.01f)
+			{
+				bIsSpeaking = false;
+			}
+
 			if (AccumulatedText.Len() > 0 && bTextVisemesApplied && bFullTextReceived)
 			{
 				AccumulatedText.Reset();
@@ -1052,6 +1085,24 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSyncComponent::TickComponent(float DeltaTime, ELevelTic
 		}
 	}
 
+	// ── Apply speech blend alpha ─────────────────────────────────────────
+	// When the agent is NOT speaking, fade out all lip sync curves so the
+	// FacialExpressionComponent's emotion curves (including mouth expressions)
+	// can flow through unobstructed. Without this, lip sync zeros on mouth
+	// curves (via the AnimNode → mh_arkit_mapping_pose) would overwrite the
+	// emotion mouth curves even during silence.
+	if (SpeechBlendAlpha < 0.001f)
+	{
+		CurrentBlendshapes.Reset();
+	}
+	else if (SpeechBlendAlpha < 0.999f)
+	{
+		for (auto& Pair : CurrentBlendshapes)
+		{
+			Pair.Value *= SpeechBlendAlpha;
+		}
+	}
+
 	// Auto-apply morph targets if a target mesh is set
 	if (TargetMesh)
 	{
@@ -1090,6 +1141,10 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSyncComponent::OnAgentStopped()
 	VisemeTimeline.Reset();
 	VisemeTimelineCursor = 0.0f;
 	TotalActiveFramesSeen = 0;
+
+	// Speech ended — SpeechBlendAlpha will smoothly fade out lip sync curves,
+	// allowing FacialExpression emotion curves to take over the mouth.
+	bIsSpeaking = false;
 }
 
 void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSyncComponent::ResetToNeutral()
@@ -1113,6 +1168,11 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSyncComponent::ResetToNeutral()
 	VisemeTimelineCursor = 0.0f;
 	TotalActiveFramesSeen = 0;
 
+	// Speech interrupted — snap speech blend to 0 immediately
+	// so emotion curves take over the mouth right away.
+	bIsSpeaking = false;
+	SpeechBlendAlpha = 0.0f;
+
 	// Snap all visemes to silence immediately (no smoothing delay)
 	for (const FName& Name : VisemeNames)
 	{
@@ -1136,6 +1196,10 @@ void UPS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSyncComponent::OnAudioChunkReceived(const TArray<uint8>
 {
 	if (!SpectrumAnalyzer) return;
 
+	// Mark as speaking — audio is arriving from the agent.
+	// SpeechBlendAlpha will smoothly fade in lip sync curves.
+	bIsSpeaking = true;
+
 	// Convert int16 PCM to float32 [-1, 1]
 	const int16* Samples = reinterpret_cast<const int16*>(PCMData.GetData());
 	const int32 NumSamples = PCMData.Num() / sizeof(int16);

Unreal/PS_AI_Agent/Plugins/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Source/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Public/AnimNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpression.h

@@ -16,10 +16,13 @@ class UAnimSequence;
  * AnimSequences from the PS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpressionComponent and blends
  * them per-bone onto the upstream pose (idle, locomotion).
  *
- * Two modes:
+ * The node uses Override mode: it replaces (lerps) the upstream pose toward
- *   - bUpperBodyOnly = true (default): only bones at and below BlendRootBone
+ * the expression pose. Use ExcludeBones (default: neck_01) to prevent
- *     are blended; lower body passes through from the upstream pose.
+ * conflicts with Gaze/Posture on neck/head bones.
- *   - bUpperBodyOnly = false: the emotion pose is applied to the entire skeleton.
+ *
+ * Region modes:
+ *   - bUpperBodyOnly = true (default): only bones at and below BlendRootBone.
+ *   - bUpperBodyOnly = false: full skeleton.
  *
  * Graph layout:
  *   [Upstream body anims (idle, locomotion)] → [PS AI ConvAgent Body Expression] → [Output]
@@ -50,6 +53,13 @@ struct PS_AI_CONVAGENT_API FAnimNode_PS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpression : public FAn
 		ToolTip = "Root bone for upper body blend.\nAll descendants of this bone are blended with the emotion pose.\nDefault: spine_02 (arms, spine, neck, head)."))
 	FName BlendRootBone = FName(TEXT("spine_02"));
 
+	/** Bones to EXCLUDE from body expression blending (each bone and its entire subtree).
+	 *  Prevents conflicts with Gaze/Posture on neck/head bones.
+	 *  Default: neck_01 (excludes neck + head, leaving them to Gaze/Posture). */
+	UPROPERTY(EditAnywhere, BlueprintReadWrite, Category = "Settings",
+		meta = (ToolTip = "Exclude these bones and their subtrees from blending.\nDefault: neck_01 prevents conflicts with Gaze/Posture on neck/head."))
+	TArray<FName> ExcludeBones = { FName(TEXT("neck_01")) };
+
 	// ── FAnimNode_Base interface ──────────────────────────────────────────────
 
 	virtual void Initialize_AnyThread(const FAnimationInitializeContext& Context) override;

Unreal/PS_AI_Agent/Plugins/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Source/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Public/PS_AI_ConvAgent_BodyExpressionComponent.h

@@ -232,4 +232,15 @@ private:
 
 	/** Cached reference to the agent component on the same Actor. */
 	TWeakObjectPtr<UPS_AI_ConvAgent_ElevenLabsComponent> AgentComponent;
+
+	// ── Debug event tracking ────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+	/** Last event name (for on-screen debug display). */
+	FString LastEventName;
+
+	/** World time when the last event fired. */
+	float LastEventWorldTime = 0.0f;
+
+	/** Draw on-screen debug info (called from TickComponent when bDebug). */
+	void DrawDebugHUD() const;
 };

Unreal/PS_AI_Agent/Plugins/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Source/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Public/PS_AI_ConvAgent_GazeComponent.h

@@ -95,17 +95,18 @@ public:
 	/** Automatically aim at the target's eye bones (MetaHuman FACIAL_L_Eye / FACIAL_R_Eye).
 	 *  When enabled, TargetOffset is ignored and the agent looks at the midpoint
 	 *  between the target pawn's eye bones.
-	 *  Fallback chain: eye bones → head bone → ActorOrigin + (0,0,FallbackEyeHeight). */
+	 *  Fallback chain: eye bones → head bone → PawnViewLocation → FallbackEyeHeight. */
 	UPROPERTY(EditAnywhere, BlueprintReadWrite, Category = "PS AI ConvAgent|Gaze",
-		meta = (ToolTip = "Auto-target the pawn's eye bones for eye contact.\nFallback: eye bones > head bone > FallbackEyeHeight."))
+		meta = (ToolTip = "Auto-target the pawn's eye bones for eye contact.\nFallback: eye bones > head bone > PawnViewLocation > FallbackEyeHeight."))
 	bool bAutoTargetEyes = true;
 
-	/** Height offset (cm) from the target actor's origin when no eye/head bones are found.
+	/** Height offset (cm) from the target actor's origin when no eye/head bones are found
-	 *  Used as fallback when bAutoTargetEyes is true but the target has no skeleton
+	 *  AND the target is not a Pawn. For Pawns without skeleton, GetPawnViewLocation()
-	 *  (e.g. first-person pawn, simple actor). 160 ≈ eye height for a standing human. */
+	 *  is used instead (accounts for BaseEyeHeight automatically).
+	 *  Only applies to non-Pawn actors (props, triggers, etc.). */
 	UPROPERTY(EditAnywhere, BlueprintReadWrite, Category = "PS AI ConvAgent|Gaze",
 		meta = (EditCondition = "bAutoTargetEyes", ClampMin = "0",
-		ToolTip = "Height offset (cm) when no eye/head bones exist on the target.\n160 = standing human eye level.\nOnly used as last-resort fallback."))
+		ToolTip = "Height offset (cm) for non-Pawn targets without skeleton.\nPawns use BaseEyeHeight automatically.\nOnly used as last-resort fallback for non-Pawn actors."))
 	float FallbackEyeHeight = 160.0f;
 
 	/** Offset from the target actor's origin to aim at.

Unreal/PS_AI_Agent/Plugins/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Source/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Public/PS_AI_ConvAgent_InteractionComponent.h

@@ -184,6 +184,13 @@ public:
 	UFUNCTION(BlueprintCallable, Category = "PS AI ConvAgent|Interaction")
 	void StartConversationWithSelectedAgent();
 
+	/** Send a text message to the currently selected agent.
+	 *  The agent responds with audio and text, just as if it heard the player speak.
+	 *  Handles network relay automatically (works on both server and client).
+	 *  Does nothing if no agent is selected or not connected. */
+	UFUNCTION(BlueprintCallable, Category = "PS AI ConvAgent|Interaction")
+	void SendTextToSelectedAgent(const FString& Text);
+
 	/** Clear the current selection. Automatic selection resumes next tick. */
 	UFUNCTION(BlueprintCallable, Category = "PS AI ConvAgent|Interaction")
 	void ClearSelection();

Unreal/PS_AI_Agent/Plugins/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Source/PS_AI_ConvAgent/Public/PS_AI_ConvAgent_LipSyncComponent.h

@@ -89,6 +89,17 @@ public:
 		ToolTip = "Smoothing speed for viseme transitions.\n35 = smooth and soft, 50 = balanced, 65 = sharp and responsive."))
 	float SmoothingSpeed = 50.0f;
 
+	// ── Speech Blend ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+	/** How long (seconds) to blend lip sync curves in/out when speech starts/stops.
+	 *  When the agent is NOT speaking, lip sync releases all mouth curves so the
+	 *  FacialExpressionComponent's emotion curves (including mouth) can show through.
+	 *  When the agent starts speaking, lip sync smoothly takes over mouth curves. */
+	UPROPERTY(EditAnywhere, BlueprintReadWrite, Category = "PS AI ConvAgent|LipSync",
+		meta = (ClampMin = "0.05", ClampMax = "1.0",
+		ToolTip = "Blend duration when speech starts/stops.\nDuring silence, emotion facial curves control the mouth.\nDuring speech, lip sync takes over."))
+	float SpeechBlendDuration = 0.15f;
+
 	// ── Emotion Expression Blend ─────────────────────────────────────────────
 
 	/** How much facial emotion (from PS_AI_ConvAgent_FacialExpressionComponent) bleeds through
@@ -163,6 +174,15 @@ public:
 	UFUNCTION(BlueprintCallable, Category = "PS AI ConvAgent|LipSync")
 	TMap<FName, float> GetCurrentBlendshapes() const { return CurrentBlendshapes; }
 
+	/** True when the agent is currently producing speech audio.
+	 *  When false, lip sync releases mouth curves to let emotion curves through. */
+	UFUNCTION(BlueprintPure, Category = "PS AI ConvAgent|LipSync")
+	bool IsSpeaking() const { return bIsSpeaking; }
+
+	/** Current speech blend alpha (0 = silent/emotion mouth, 1 = lip sync mouth).
+	 *  Smooth transition between silence and speech states. */
+	float GetSpeechBlendAlpha() const { return SpeechBlendAlpha; }
+
 	// ── UActorComponent overrides ─────────────────────────────────────────────
 	virtual void BeginPlay() override;
 	virtual void EndPlay(const EEndPlayReason::Type EndPlayReason) override;
@@ -258,6 +278,14 @@ private:
 	// Current blend alpha (0 = fully inactive/passthrough, 1 = fully active).
 	float CurrentActiveAlpha = 1.0f;
 
+	// True when the agent is currently producing speech audio.
+	// Set true in OnAudioChunkReceived, false in OnAgentStopped/OnAgentInterrupted.
+	bool bIsSpeaking = false;
+
+	// Smooth blend alpha for speech state: 0 = not speaking (emotion controls mouth),
+	// 1 = speaking (lip sync controls mouth). Interpolated each tick.
+	float SpeechBlendAlpha = 0.0f;
+
 	// MetaHuman mode: Face mesh has no morph targets, use animation curves instead.
 	// Set automatically in BeginPlay when TargetMesh has 0 morph targets.
 	bool bUseCurveMode = false;