Nissan is extensively studying how brain training can improve the driving skills of its race car drivers. The Brain to Performance programme will further aid in utilising this study in transferring knowledge and technology between the racetrack and the road to enhance the electric vehicle (EV) experience for its customers.
With the University of Texas at Austin, Nissan is working towards the evolution of this technology and how to integrate it into its dealerships. The idea is how the brain-computer interface-based training could be designed to assist customers in improving their driving skills more efficiently thereby increasing safety.
Nissan Formula E Team continues to focus on achieving the highest level of excitement for its drivers by being able to fully exploit Nissan’s EV potential. The Brain to Performance programme can potentially revolutionise how drivers are trained, both on and off the racetrack. The findings show that racing drivers who participated in the training experienced enhancements in complex decision-making, stress and fatigue resilience, and quicker reaction times.
While revealing the results of this study, Nissan showcased how the brain training protocols can successfully improve the cognitive functions of Nissan Formula E Team drivers. The programme involves the Nissan Formula E Team drivers undergoing baseline neuro scans using an EEG device. As a lot of data gets collected and needs to be processed, Dr Lucian Gheorghe, Nissan's UX Innovation Senior Manager, with support from the University of Texas at Austin and the scientists at Wave Neuro, created tailored training programs utilising a brain-stimulating Sonal device.
After using the Sonal device throughout Season-9, a final scan was conducted to assess its impact on the driver’s cognitive functions. This revealed that there were enhancements in both brain speed and clarity that supported the research hypothesis, and it was concluded that further training with this device over an extended period could assist drivers in optimising their performances.
This programme shows the potential for this neuro-stimulating technology to help improve the on-track performances of the Nissan Formula E Team drivers. The research conducted through Seasons-7 and Season-8 showed that people’s abilities to learn and retain knowledge were significantly enhanced. The training protocols developed with Plato Science and Wave Neuro further confirmed this, improving the drivers’ cognitive functions.
“Following these encouraging results, we believe this technology could provide a substantial benefit far beyond the world of motorsports,” added Gheorghe. As the technology develops, these programmes may soon be able to support Nissan’s electric vehicle (EV) division offering features that will be able to increase driver awareness and improve safety further for vehicles.
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