Dancer Returns to Stage Using Brain-Controlled Avatar

A groundbreaking performance has demonstrated how emerging brain–computer interface technology can restore artistic expression for people living with severe neurological conditions. A ballerina diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) has returned to the stage using a digital avatar controlled by her brainwaves. Wearing an EEG-based headset, the dancer was able to translate imagined movements into real-time digital choreography, allowing her avatar to perform alongside other dancers in a live production. The initiative highlights the growing potential of neurotechnology to bridge physical limitations and enable new forms of creative participation.

Developed through a collaboration between technology and creative teams, the system captures neural signals associated with movement intention and converts them into computer-generated motion. The project not only enabled the performer to reconnect with dance after losing muscular control, but also signals broader applications in rehabilitation, accessibility, and inclusive performance arts. Researchers and developers emphasize that such innovations could transform how individuals with mobility impairments engage with culture, offering scalable solutions that extend beyond the stage into healthcare and assistive technologies.

More information:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgqkz5lzvnwo

Animating the Motion of Squishy Objects

Animators could create more realistic bouncy, stretchy, and squishy characters for movies and video games thanks to a new simulation method developed by researchers at MIT. It allows animators to simulate rubbery and elastic materials preserving the physical properties of the material and avoids pitfalls like instability. The technique simulates elastic objects for animation and other applications, with improved reliability compared to other methods.

In comparison, many existing simulation techniques can produce elastic animations that become erratic or sluggish or can even break down entirely. To achieve this improvement, the MIT researchers uncovered a hidden mathematical structure in equations that capture how elastic materials deform on a computer. By leveraging this property, known as convexity, they designed a method that consistently produces accurate, physically faithful simulations.

More information:

https://news.mit.edu/2025/animation-technique-simulates-squishy-objects-motion-0606