Dancer with ALS Reclaims Movement Through Brainwave Technology

Breanna Olson, a mother of three, has regained her ability to dance on stage thanks to a groundbreaking brainwave-driven system. In December, she performed as a virtual avatar in Amsterdam, marking a pivotal moment for her and others living with motor neuron diseases. The event, dubbed the “first of its kind,” showcased how emerging tech can redefine mobility for those affected by conditions like ALS.

Overcoming ALS with Innovation

Diagnosed two and a half years ago with ALS, the most prevalent form of motor neurone disease (MND), Breanna has faced progressive muscle weakness and challenges with speech, swallowing, and breathing. However, a collaboration between Japanese firms Dentsu Lab and NTT enabled her to control a digital representation of herself using brain signals. This system, built on electroencephalogram (EEG) technology, translates neural activity into real-time commands for a mixed-reality avatar.

“It was exhilarating to see my virtual self move on stage again,” Breanna shared in an interview with BBC News. “That moment felt magical and unforgettable.”

From Childhood to Technological Breakthrough

Breanna, who resides in Tacoma, Washington, has been immersed in dance since her youth, training in ballet, contemporary, and jazz styles. As MND progresses, it impacts nerves in the brain and spinal cord, gradually eroding physical capabilities. Yet, through this project, she found a new way to express herself, emphasizing the emotional and physical liberation it brought.

“You have to isolate your muscles and quiet the noise around you… and focus deeply inward,” she explained. “The technology is unique but quite challenging to master.”

Expanding Access to Neural Tech

While brainwave interfaces are gaining traction, their high cost limits accessibility. Naoki Tanaka, Dentsu Lab’s chief creative officer, highlighted this gap as a motivation for the Waves of Will initiative. The project seeks to develop affordable systems that restore personal expression and participation for individuals with motor-degenerative diseases. Mariko Nakamura of NTT added that such tools could soon integrate into everyday devices like wheelchairs or remote controls.

A New Era of Expression

Breanna believes these advancements offer profound hope for people with disabilities. “This is a new way of expression,” she said. “To move in a different way is just freeing.” Her experience underscores the resilience of the human mind and its capacity to adapt through technology. She aims to inspire others with ALS, sharing her story to demonstrate what’s possible when innovation meets determination.

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