The Mind Race project is a groundbreaking blend of neurotechnology and engineering, allowing control of slot cars with brainwaves, and fostering innovation and practical learning in students.
Introduction
The Mind Race project was an interdisciplinary endeavor that combined innovative hardware and software solutions to engineer a system that harnessed brainwave signals for racing scale model cars. The project employed two MindWave devices to measure alpha, beta, and gamma waves from competing users and converted these neural signals into speed controls for the race cars.
Challenge
The Mind Race project faced multifaceted challenges that ranged from integrating diverse hardware devices and synchronizing them in real-time, to the more nuanced task of converting raw brainwave data into practical output that could dictate the velocity of a car. The two MindWave devices, each connected to a person's head, were linked to two Arduino motherboards with Bluetooth modules. These were then interfaced with a central processing unit, which was responsible for the interpretation and application of the raw brainwave data.
Solution
Our solution was to create a seamless real-time system that collected and processed data from two different sources. We first synchronized the data collection from two MindWave devices to two Arduino motherboards through Bluetooth technology. We then connected these Arduinos to a central processing unit which converted brainwave signals into digital commands, controlling the speed of the slot cars. This required detailed knowledge of both hardware and software, as well as a deep understanding of neurotechnology and neuroscience principles.
Conclusion
The Mind Race project was a groundbreaking endeavor, as it showcased the capacity of neurotechnology to the wider public, proving that the power of thought could be harnessed to interact with the physical world in an engaging and entertaining format. The project also served as a valuable learning tool for both incoming students and those already enrolled, demonstrating practical applications of their theoretical studies. For faculty representatives, it was a testament to the innovative and forward-thinking work being undertaken by students at their institution, showing the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and creativity.