Future Of Classical Arts: These Scientists Are Teaching Bharatanatyam To Robots

Robots learning Bharatanatyam sounds like an unexpected fusion. But researchers at IIT Bombay and Southern Methodist University are making this true, using the 2,000-year-old dance form to teach robots precise hand gestures (mudras) and facial expressions (abhinaya). This is not about robots performing on stage; it’s about teaching machines something they struggle with the most: moving like humans.

Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form that includes precise hand gestures, facial expressions, eye movements and body posture. Every hand gesture means something. Every facial movement has a purpose. That level of detail is exactly what robots need to replicate human-like gestures.

But how does Classical Movement Helps Robots Feel More Human?

Bharatanatyam is built on strict discipline and its demands extreme accuracy. Every movement has to be sharp, timed and intentional, and there’s no room for messy or delayed actions.

This level of precision helps robots develop better control over small movements and learn how to shift smoothly from one action to another. Instead of looking rigid, machines begin to move with balance and rhythm.

This matters in real life. Robots are now present in hospitals, elderly care, and public spaces, where people expect calm and clear movements.

When machines move awkwardly, it creates discomfort. Human-like gestures can make them feel more familiar, and classical dance has mastered this naturally.

Impact of This Shift on Classical Arts

This moment forces us to rethink how classical arts are seen. Are they simply being taken for their usefulness, or are they being recognised for their timeless intelligence?

For years, dancers were appreciated for keeping traditions alive but rarely credited for the skill. This research shifts that view, showing that classical dance carries technical depth and structured knowledge, not just emotion or ritual.

Still, the line between use and respect matters. Bharatanatyam is not just a movement that can be broken into data it carries history, identity and meaning.

Genuine progress occurs when artists unite as equals rather than being treated as instruments for change.

Classical Dance and the Future of Robotics

This experiment shows that the future doesn’t always come from brand-new ideas. Sometimes it comes from ancient practices done exceptionally well.

By teaching robots Bharatanatyam proves that cultural heritage isn’t just symbolic, it’s practical, relevant and powerful. The fact that an ancient dance is shaping this innovation proves that tradition can be both timeless and ahead of time.

Views expressed by the author are their own.