Nissan's Successful Use of Brain Stimulation in Formula E Drivers

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【Summary】Nissan used a brain stimulator called the Sonal device on its Formula E drivers and found that it improved their performance. Developed in collaboration with Wave Neuro and the University of Texas at Austin, the device targets specific areas of the brain using frequencies. The researchers discovered that the device increased the drivers' brain speed and clarity, leading to improved lap times and fewer mistakes during races.

FutureCar Staff Oct 11, 2023 11:27 PM PT

Nissan's Successful Use of Brain Stimulation in Formula E Drivers

Nissan has discovered that a device using frequencies to stimulate the brain can benefit everyone, from regular drivers to Formula E racers. This innovative concept, once considered science fiction, has been proven effective through Nissan's Brain to Performance program. During the recent season of the Formula E racing series, Nissan utilized the "Sonal device" on its factory drivers, targeting specific areas of the brain with specific frequencies.

The Sonal device, developed by Wave Neuro, has also been employed by the U.S. military and football players to address conditions such as PTSD and brain injuries. Additionally, it has been used to alleviate jet lag and sleep deprivation. Working in collaboration with Wave Neuro, the University of Texas at Austin, and Dr. Lucian Gheorghe, Nissan's senior manager for UX innovation, a specialized training protocol was created for the Formula E drivers.

The results of this training program have shown promise. After using the Sonal device during the 2022-2023 season, researchers observed improved brain speed and clarity in the drivers, supporting the hypothesis that the device enhances performance on the track. Continued training with the device resulted in better lap times and fewer mistakes during races.

Tommaso Volpe, the managing director of Nissan's Formula E team, expressed excitement about the outcomes, stating that the program allows drivers to reach their full potential. Nissan sees the potential for this research to extend beyond Formula E and into its other racing programs. Moreover, the company believes that this technology can benefit not only professional drivers but also regular drivers.

Dr. Gheorghe emphasized the broader applications of the technology, stating that it could have significant benefits beyond the world of motorsports. Nissan is eager to explore opportunities to integrate the brain stimulation technology into its future electric vehicles. Prior to the Formula E study, Dr. Gheorghe collaborated with the University of Essex and Campus Biotech in Geneva, Switzerland, where drivers using brain stimulation were able to learn tracks 50 percent faster and lap them 50 percent quicker than drivers without stimulation.

Nissan envisions integrating this technology into its dealerships to assist customers in improving their driving skills. Furthermore, the company believes that brain stimulation holds immense potential for future applications, paving the way for new and exciting possibilities.