Application for evaluation machine
A first in NASCAR history! Brainwave measurements during a race! ~A big investigation into what happens to professional racers' brainwaves during the race~
In our previous article, we reported on how we were able to collect biometric information from Takuma Koga during a practice run. This time, we were able to measure Koga's brainwaves during an actual NASCAR race!
▶ Click here for the previous article
Measuring biometric information during a live race was an unprecedented first attempt even for NASCAR, and normally bringing items unrelated to the race into the car is prohibited, but this time we received special permission and were able to attach an EEG measuring device to Koga during the race.
Device Photo
NASCAR Race Information
The races in which we measured brainwaves this time were: 6 month 7 It was held in Sonoma, California on NASCAR West series (https://www.arcaracing.com/arca-menards-series-west/)General Tire 200 is.
Racecourse photos
In this race, Takuma Koga competed with our company logo as the main focus of the car. Koga's #7 and our company logo stand out on this very cool car.
Sonoma is located in the North Bay area of San Francisco and is the second most popular premium wine producing region after Napa. With vast vineyards and numerous wineries, the area is a gathering place for wine lovers on weekends, but during the race it was overflowing with NASCAR fans from all over North America.
View of the vineyard
Sonoma Raceway is a difficult course that tests the drivers' strategic driving due to its undulating track terrain, blind corners, tight hairpin turns, and gentle curves. This time, 31 cars competed over 64 laps of 127.36 miles.
The actual race will start at 3:30 p.m. and last just over two hours, but before that Koga will be very busy from early morning until the evening with preparations, practice and fan service.
schedule
Device attachment
The weather in Sonoma is cold in the morning and the temperature rises to nearly 30 °C during the day. In addition, we had to wear racing suits and helmets during the race, so we were sure to get drenched in sweat. Furthermore, we were unable to use the transport trucks called Haulers, which also serve as rest areas for the racers, on the day, so it was a very difficult decision as to when to wear the EEG device.
Most conventional EEG devices are wired, and movement and sweating can have a significant effect on the measurements. In addition, the device's shape means it cannot be worn over a helmet, and there are a number of other limitations. This time, we used a revolutionary sticker-type EEG device. It communicates wirelessly, so there are no wires to get in the way, and it can be used to measure while moving and can be worn with a full-face helmet, so there are no problems with the specifications, but how will it perform in a tough race like NASCAR?
An unprecedented experiment has begun.
Race Start
In order to minimize any interference with the race, it was decided that Koga would wear the EEG device during early morning practice, and he kindly cooperated despite the tense conditions just before the race.
After confirming that there were no problems with the EEG device's Bluetooth communication, Koga was asked to wear the EEG monitor from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. after the race ended.
Brainwave management screen
What on earth would happen if you were to drive in a blazing sun with no shade and temperatures approaching 30 degrees, wearing a racing suit and helmet, for two hours in a race car (without air conditioning, of course! I got to ride in it too, and was instantly so hot I was drenched in sweat) in the worst possible conditions for measuring EEG?!
After the Race
Despite experiencing machine trouble midway through the race, Koga showed impressive results!
Here is the actual video of the race to see what kind of trouble occurred.
After the race, we rushed over to Koga to check on the condition of the EEG measurement device, and found that most of the electrodes were intact. It's amazing how the EEG device can withstand being left on for about eight hours, even while drenched in sweat. The device itself seems fine, but what about the measurement results?
Measurement result
Later, we compared the results of the EEG analysis with the recording of the race and asked Koga to recall what had happened during the race that day, and the following results emerged.
For details on the measurement data, click here.
NASCAR Since this was the first time we measured the time during a live race and it was a long-term measurement, we were a little worried about whether we could get accurate data, but based on Koga's memory, the video recording of the race, and the EEG data, 3 After reviewing the information, it was found that it was generally consistent.
Summary
This time, we only attempted to measure EEG, with the aim of seeing whether it was possible to obtain EEG data under the harsh conditions of a live NASCAR race, but in the future, we would like to collect other biological information besides EEG.
Based on these results, we will continue to take on the challenge of collecting and analyzing biometric information in a variety of environments.
Macnica will continue to support Koga while also focusing on collecting biometric information, supporting motorsports, and ultimately supporting the development of safe and comfortable autonomous driving technology and next-generation mobility in society at large.
free demonstration
What is "objective content evaluation" based on brain waves?
I would like to visualize people's unconscious emotions and cognitive states based on brain waves.
I'm sure there are many things you don't know, so why not measure your brain waves and experience what it's like?
After the actual measurements, we will share examples of how AI has been used in our activities so far, so that we can better utilize AI using brain waves at our customers' sites.
We will support you from proposal to implementation and operation.
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We have information related to Brain Tech, such as catalogs and white papers, so if you would like to know more, please download the materials here.
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