EEG-Integrated race helmet
UNIT9 | Ford
I collaborated with UNIT9 and Ford to create an EEG-enabled helmet to analyze race car drivers' cognitive functions. I led the physical design of the EEG system, inventing a patented electrode to solve the unique problem of creating a safe, dry EEG helmet. The project was featured in a 2022 documentary by Ford and Discovery / Eurosport.
Ford: Racing Minds
Ford: Psychology of Performance
Photo credit: UNIT9 / Ford
Background
In the first phase of the project, UNIT9 demonstrated how EEG could be used to determine a driver’s level of concentration. This was done using an off-the-shelf dry EEG system and a driving simulation.
For the next phase when I was brought in, the goal was to integrate a working EEG system into a helmet that could be used in real life driving tests with professionals. It needed to be safe, comfortable, and able to collect real-time data from the brain. My role was to lead the physical design of the EEG system.
Research
Initial research and early mockups with off-the-shelf components made it quickly apparent that there was no existing EEG technology that would meet user and technical requirements. To maintain constant, reliable contact with the scalp, existing systems combine hard prongs with pressure applied through springs or tight fitting headgear, which would not meet our safety or user requirements.
We concluded that we would need to design our own custom electrodes to meet the unique design challenge of collecting data for motorsports.
Ideation
I took the concept of using springs to pre-load the electrode against the scalp and brainstormed compliant, soft mechanisms that were low profile enough to fit in the helmet, provide enough pressure for contact, met safety requirements, and was comfortable and easy for the driver to put on and wear.
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Prototyping
From here I launched into the iterative process of prototyping and testing. I fabricated the prototypes by developing conductive elastomers and molding flexible materials using 3D printed molds. Then, I integrated the electrodes with the electronics and helmet with a combination of soft, conductive fabrics and other materials.
Testing & Results
The prototype helmets were tested both in simulated driving scenarios and on a real track by professional rally and race car drivers. Drivers reported that the electrodes did not pose any discomfort or distraction; moreover, the electrodes maintained reliable contact even during high-vibration driving scenarios such as rally car driving.
This allowed the research team to consistently gather the brain activity data needed to monitor driver cognitive function, giving drivers the tools to assess and learn from their own performance.
In January 2022, Ford and Discovery / Eurosport launched the documentary “Racing Minds”, which showcased an on-site study in Spain with M-Sport Ford Rally professional drivers. You can watch it here: Racing Minds - Performance Testing With Ford | Eurosport
Photo credit: UNIT9 / Ford
Patent
"Eeg sensor, assembly including an eeg sensor and method of manufacture" - International Patent No. WO2021260212A1 - Date of Patent: 30 December 2021
Inventors: David Yates BUCKLEY, Jasmine Rebecca FLORENTINE