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 mechanical design engineering of the EEG headset, inventing a patented electrode to solve the unique problem of creating a safe, dry EEG system for the helmet. The project was featured in a 2022 documentary by Ford and Discovery / Eurosport.
Ford: Racing Minds
Ford: Psychology of Performance
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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 mechanical design of the EEG system.
Understanding user & technical requirements
A lot of this legwork had already been done during Phase 1 of the project. My job was to determine how to use this information to create our design.
Research & Ideation
Initial research and early prototyping made it quickly apparent that there was no existing EEG technology that would meet our requirements. We concluded that we would need to design our own custom electrodes to meet the unique design challenge of collecting data for motorsports.
I drew inspiration from the physics of dry EEG systems to break the problem down into a well-defined mechanical challenge. To maintain constant, reliable contact with the scalp, existing systems combine hard prongs with pressure applied through springs or tight fitting headgear.
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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, provided enough pressure for contact, and would meet safety requirements.
Prototyping, Testing, Iterating
From here I launched into the iterative process of prototyping and testing. I fabricated the prototypes by molding flexible materials using 3D printed molds.
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.
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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
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