University of Florida
Home of the world’s first brain-drone race
Developing BCI for Social Good
The Human-Experience Research Lab (HXRL) at the University of Florida is dedicated to Computing for Social Good. It focuses on designing, building, and evaluating computational technologies that impact the human condition and society. By addressing national social issues, HXRL collaborates with various university departments, including political science, psychology, and engineering, and partners with state and federal government offices and organizations.
Brain-Drone Race Makes History
The University of Florida (UF) brought together student competitors to showcase the potential of brain-computer interfaces. Sponsored by Intel, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and UF’s Human-Experience Research Lab, the world’s first brain-drone race invited students to train and fly drones using only their brainwaves. A total of 16 pilots participated in the competition, using BCI technology. Electrical Engineering student Amber “Turbo” Hawthorne, who wore an Emotiv Insight 5-channel EEG headset, took home first place and a spot in history.
Using BCI to Improve the Human Experience
UF’s Human-Experience Research Lab utilizes Emotiv Epoc 14-channel and Insight 5-channel EEG headsets, along with EmotivPRO software, for a variety of use cases, including developing voting inclusivity solutions and inspiring careers in STEM through hands-on demonstrations. Dr. Juan Gilbert leads the project along with the Computing for Social Good Lab (CFSG), using technology to improve the lives of others.
"The World’s First Brain-Drone Race was a ground-breaking spectacle within the field of BCI research. It is truly an honor to have witnessed such an extraordinary event and mark my place in history as the World’s First Brain-Drone Race winner."
- Amber “Turbo” Hawthorne
Emotiv EEG headsets are powerful enough for neuroscience, yet simple enough for beginners.
Easy to use and adaptable for high school and university programs, our headsets empower hands-on neuroscience education and BCI applications. Access a curriculum that allows students to become junior neuroscientists. EMOTIV's wireless and portable EEG lab equipment enables students to visualize and understand brain activity in real-time, right in their own classrooms.
EEG for STEM Classrooms, Labs, and Faculty-Led Research
From AP Psychology to cognitive neuroscience, Emotiv EEG systems support instructional goals and IRB-ready research projects with scalable, classroom-compatible technology.
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