Brain Race — Brainwave-Controlled Slot Car Game

We developed Brain Race, a two-player competitive slot car game controlled entirely by participants’ brainwaves. Using Neurosky Mindwave EEG sensors, the system measured each player’s attention level and translated that data into voltage delivered to the track—directly controlling the speed of the slot cars. The more focused the player, the faster their car raced.

The installation was designed for touring and has been rented for numerous technology-focused events and brand activations. It became a popular attraction at the Digital Marketing Summit, Innovation Week by the Turkish Exporters Assembly (in Istanbul, İzmir, Ankara, and Eskişehir), as well as events for BriSa and Yapı Kredi Bankası, among others.

Concept

Brain Race transformed cognitive focus into a competitive and highly visible physical experience. The simplicity of the mechanic—think harder, go faster—made the game intuitive, humorous, and uniquely engaging. The combination of retro slot-car racing with futuristic EEG control created a juxtaposition that resonated with both tech-savvy audiences and casual participants.

Technical Details

I developed the full hardware and software stack for the installation, including:

• EEG integration using Neurosky Mindwave

• Custom EEG data driver for clean, low-latency attention-level readings

• Custom motor driver for precision slot-car speed control

• Firmware development coordinating EEG input, motor output, and game state

• Unity-based game logic and UI for race feedback and scoring

• Touring-ready reliability across multiple cities and high-traffic events

The system was engineered for repeat use, quick setup, and stable performance in varying venue environments.

Credits

• Creative Technologist (Game Design, EEG Integration, Motor Control, Firmware): Osman Koç

• Client: Multiple

• Agency: Nerdworking

• Press: TÜBİTAK, Gizmodo