Brain Powered Car Technology Unveiled
Ameya Naik
1 min read
Dec 11, 2015, 07:39 PM
Controlling things by using ones brain, how often has this been a dream? There are those who atleast create the illusion of doing so and then there are the ones like Charles Xavier from who have the power and use it for good. Well, researchers in China have also followed the good path and have developed a mind-controlled car.
Developed by researchers in the north-east port city of Tianjin, this is the country's first car that uses nothing but brain power to drive. The research team from Nankai University, in the north-eastern Chinese port city of Tianjin, has spent two years bringing the mind-controlled vehicle to reality.
By wearing brain signal-reading equipment a driver can control the car to go forward, backwards, come to a stop, and both lock and unlock the vehicle, all without moving their hands or feet.
The equipment comprises of 16 sensors that capture EEG (electroencephalogram) signals from the driver's brain. A computer program that selects the relevant signals and translates them, enabling control of the car.
"The tester's EEG signals are picked up by this (brain signal-reading) equipment and transmitted wirelessly to the computer. The computer processes the signals to categorize and recognize people's intention, then translates them into control command to the car. The core of the whole flow is to process the EEG signals, which is done on the computer," Researcher Zhang Zhao told Reuters.
The project has been led by Associate Professor Duan Feng, from the university's College of Computer and Control Engineering, who emphasized that the technology is aimed at better serving human beings, and that it might soon be possible to combine brain controlled technology and driverless cars, such as the Google Self Driving Car (SDC).
The researchers say their initial idea was inspired by helping disabled people who are physically unable to steer cars. "There are two starting points of this project. The first one is to provide a driving method without using hands or feet for the disabled who are unable to move freely; and secondly, to provide healthy people with a new and more intellectualized driving mode," Zhang said.
However, there lies the fear of potential road accidents caused by the driver being distracted because concentration was needed only when changing the vehicle's moving status, i.e. changing lanes or turning. There are still a lot of wrongs to be undone and that’s one reason why you won’t see this technology make it to production just yet. It’s an innovative idea no doubt but you can control something with your brain but how do you control your brain? Penny for your thoughts.
Image Source: Reuters
Developed by researchers in the north-east port city of Tianjin, this is the country's first car that uses nothing but brain power to drive. The research team from Nankai University, in the north-eastern Chinese port city of Tianjin, has spent two years bringing the mind-controlled vehicle to reality.
By wearing brain signal-reading equipment a driver can control the car to go forward, backwards, come to a stop, and both lock and unlock the vehicle, all without moving their hands or feet.
The equipment comprises of 16 sensors that capture EEG (electroencephalogram) signals from the driver's brain. A computer program that selects the relevant signals and translates them, enabling control of the car.
"The tester's EEG signals are picked up by this (brain signal-reading) equipment and transmitted wirelessly to the computer. The computer processes the signals to categorize and recognize people's intention, then translates them into control command to the car. The core of the whole flow is to process the EEG signals, which is done on the computer," Researcher Zhang Zhao told Reuters.
The project has been led by Associate Professor Duan Feng, from the university's College of Computer and Control Engineering, who emphasized that the technology is aimed at better serving human beings, and that it might soon be possible to combine brain controlled technology and driverless cars, such as the Google Self Driving Car (SDC).
The researchers say their initial idea was inspired by helping disabled people who are physically unable to steer cars. "There are two starting points of this project. The first one is to provide a driving method without using hands or feet for the disabled who are unable to move freely; and secondly, to provide healthy people with a new and more intellectualized driving mode," Zhang said.
However, there lies the fear of potential road accidents caused by the driver being distracted because concentration was needed only when changing the vehicle's moving status, i.e. changing lanes or turning. There are still a lot of wrongs to be undone and that’s one reason why you won’t see this technology make it to production just yet. It’s an innovative idea no doubt but you can control something with your brain but how do you control your brain? Penny for your thoughts.
Image Source: Reuters
Related News
Latest Cars
Upcoming Cars
Trending News
1 min readTriumph Tracker 400: In Pictures
Latest News
car&bike Team | Dec 18, 2025KTM 160 Duke With TFT Dash launched At Rs 1.79 LakhThe 5-inch colour TFT dash is borrowed from the 390 Duke and is shared across the brand’s sub-400cc lineup.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Dec 18, 2025Lamborghini Urus Seized By Cops Following Viral Clip Of Speeding On Bandra-Worli Sea LinkThe car was seized after a video of it allegedly overspeeding on the Bandra–Worli Sea Link, where the speed limit is capped at 80 kmph, went viral.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Dec 18, 20252025 Ducati XDiavel V4 India Launch Details RevealedThe new Ducati XDiavel V4 will be launched towards the end of December 2025 and will sit alongside the standard Ducati Diavel V4.3 mins read
Amaan Ahmed | Dec 18, 2025Maruti WagonR Swivel Front Seat Kit Launched: Check Price, AvailabilityBangalore-based startup TrueAssist Technology Private Limited has developed a mechanism that allows the front passenger seat to swivel outwards, in a bid to improve accessibility for the aged and persons with disabilities.2 mins read
Amaan Ahmed | Dec 18, 2025Nissan Gravite MPV (Renault Triber Derivative) To Be Launched Early In 2026Nearly seven years on from the launch of the MPV it shares its underpinnings with arrives Nissan's entry-level 7-seat model; to debut in January.2 mins read
Jafar Rizvi | Dec 18, 2025Tata Sierra Pure, Pure+ Variants Explained In PicturesThe Pure trim of the Sierra is priced from Rs 12.49 lakh to Rs 17.49 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the powertrain option. Here is a breakdown of what it gets.3 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Dec 19, 2025Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara Review: Worth The Wait?After a long wait, the first-ever electric Maruti Suzuki is here. It’s the e-Vitara, and it comes with a few promises. But arriving this late, is it worth the wait? Or is it a case of too little, too late?9 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Dec 18, 2025Mercedes-Benz G450d: The Subtle Power of EvolutionThe Mercedes-Benz G 450d evolves subtly with more power, improved efficiency, and modern tech, while staying true to the timeless G-Class design. And character.4 mins read
Janak Sorap | Dec 11, 2025Harley-Davidson X440 T First Ride Review: Smarter and SharperHarley-Davidson has taken the X440 and given it a more focused and engaging twist. The result is the X440 T—essentially the same platform but updated in areas that give the motorcycle more appeal and riders more thrill.5 mins read
Shams Raza Naqvi | Dec 10, 20252025 Mini Cooper Convertible Review: More Colour On Indian RoadsThe updated Mini Cooper Convertible is set to be launched in the Indian market in the next few days. We drive it around Jaisalmer for a quick review.5 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Dec 8, 2025Tata Sierra Review: India’s New Favourite?Marking its return after a few decades, the reborn Sierra has made everyone sit up and take notice. But is it worth the hype?10 mins read