Neuroracers: Racing with Brainwaves

Imagine a car race where the speed of cars isn’t determined by just the engines and drivers’ skills, but by the concentration levels of their drivers, as measured in real time through EEG machines. This is neuroracing, an exciting experience that shows the intersection of neuroscience and tangible technologies. 

Neuroracing integrates EEG technology with cars by monitoring brain activity to power cars. EEG devices monitor brain activity, specifically focusing on levels of concentration and mental focus that result in different types of brainwaves. The EEG headset then transfers the data to a central processing unit, where the neuroracing system adjusts the performance of the cars to fit the level of concentration. 

Elisabeth Julien described her fascination with the neuroracers when she said, “As a huge F1 and NASCAR fan, it was super cool to see how cars and neuroscience were able to merge worlds to create something amazing. It really opened my eyes to what is possible in the future and makes me excited for future neuroscience collaborations.”  

When using the neuroracers, interns were able to gain an understanding of the deeper capabilities of the brain and how concentration is prevalent in so many different activities. Shaw Dudda recalls, “My car went around the track 23 different times in one minute, which was the most out of my entire group! It was interesting to see the different ways that my group tried focusing. Someone played computer games, others just started at the car, and I texted my friends which ended up working really well!” 

Again, with each new experience, interns left feeling hope and excitement for the future. Mae Cathey was particularly interested in the brainwaves that were being detected by the EEG. she commented, “It was amazing to see how our brainwaves can be harnessed to influence real world actions. This technology not only opens up new possibilities in neuroracing, but also in how we understand and enhance cognitive functions!” 

From the neuroracers, interns learned that neuroracing extends far beyond just competition; it opens doors to new possibilities in human machine interaction and our understanding of cognition. As interns finished the racing, despite the number of laps their car ran, each of them gained a better understanding of the brain and the true extent of its abilities.