Nissan reveals key research findings from its innovative Brain to Performance program.
Nissan reveals the results of its innovative and ground-breaking Brain to Performance program. The findings of this initiative, which studies driver brain function and anatomy, show how brain training protocols can successfully improve the cognitive functions of Nissan Formula E Team drivers.
Além disso, os dados indicam que os pilotos de corrida que participaram do treinamento Brain to Performance da Nissan tiveram melhorias na tomada de decisões complexas, na resistência ao estresse e à fadiga e em tempos de reação mais rápidos. Essas melhorias podem ajudar a reduzir os erros na pista e maximizar o ritmo e a consistência dos pilotos.
Continual training could enable the Nissan Formula E Team drivers to reach the maximum potential of their brains in terms of clarity, which relates to their ability to perform in high-pressure environments, and speed, measuring how quickly they can process information.
Após essas descobertas bem-sucedidas, a Equipe de Fórmula E da Nissan planeja integrar totalmente esses protocolos de treinamento cerebral aos programas gerais de treinamento de seus pilotos a partir da 10ª temporada. Espera-se que o conhecimento adquirido nas fases de pesquisa e aplicação, com adaptações adicionais, seja aplicável à família NISMO mais ampla, além do Campeonato Mundial de Fórmula E da FIA, incluindo os pilotos da série Super GT japonesa. Além disso, esse programa acelerou muito a pesquisa para o desenvolvimento de um sistema de aprimoramento de habilidades de direção, acessível a todos os pilotos.
The Research
Quando o Nissan Brain to Performance foi lançado no final da 7ª Temporada (2020/21) da campanha do Campeonato Mundial de Fórmula E da ABB FIA, a Equipe de Fórmula E da Nissan, juntamente com o Gerente Sênior de Inovação UX da Nissan, Dr. Lucian Gheorghe, delineou três áreas principais de pesquisa: comparar as funções cerebrais dos pilotos de corrida com as dos motoristas comuns, avaliar a ligação entre a estimulação elétrica do cérebro e o desempenho na pista e avaliar o potencial dessa tecnologia para aprimorar as habilidades gerais de direção fora das corridas.
In Season 8, the research phase of the Brain to Performance project was initiated. As part of this research, two control groups were formed – one that underwent brain stimulation and one that did not. Non-professional drivers in these groups participated in testing sessions on race simulators at the University of Essex and the Geneva-based Campus Biotech. They completed 10 sessions on a track they had not seen before, and the final findings revealed that the brain-stimulated group performed 50 percent faster and learned the circuits 50 percent quicker.
In addition, they were compared to the Nissan Formula E Team drivers for that season, and the results demonstrated that the racing drivers exhibited higher visuo-motor skills, increased brain coordination, and greater biological status awareness.
Following these results, in Season 9 Dr. Gheorghe collaborated with US-based technology partner Wave Neuro to develop a comprehensive bespoke driver training program for the Nissan Formula E Team drivers.
Driver Training Program
The training involved the Nissan Formula E Team drivers undergoing baseline neuro scans using an EEG device. With the data collected, Dr. Gheorghe, with support from the University of Texas at Austin and the scientists at Wave Neuro, created tailored training programs utilizing a brain-stimulating Sonal device.
This device uses certain frequencies to target specific areas of the brain, aimed at helping with jet lag and sleep deprivation, improving reaction times, and minimizing human error, especially in high-pressure environments.
Wave Neuro has previous experience employing these training protocols alongside the United States military to aid individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. They have also worked with professional American football players who have experienced brain injuries. Both Dr. Erik Won, President & Chief Medical Officer of Wave Neuro, and Dr. Gheorghe recognized the potential to integrate this into a performance-based training program. They collaborated to create these customized protocols for the Nissan Formula E Team drivers.
The Findings
After using the Sonal device throughout Season 9, a final scan was conducted to assess its impact on their cognitive functions. Improvements in both brain speed and clarity supported the research hypothesis, and it was concluded that further training with this device over an extended period could assist drivers in optimizing their performances.
Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal, Nissan Formula E Team, comentou: "É emocionante sermos pioneiros nessa área de pesquisa no mundo do automobilismo. A Nissan se orgulha de ousar fazer o que os outros não fazem. Nas últimas três temporadas da Fórmula E, temos trabalhado diligentemente para entender o que diferencia os cérebros dos pilotos profissionais dos não profissionais e como podemos usar essas informações para melhorar o desempenho do piloto na pista.
“The results following the training program are extremely exciting and demonstrate that with the right tools we can help our drivers reach their full potential. With the integration of the Brain to Performance program to Nissan Formula E Team from Season 10, we are eagerly anticipating how this program will continue to evolve for the drivers, the team, and Nissan more widely.”
Dr Lucian Gheorghe, Nissan’s UX Innovation Senior Manager, said: “Since the beginning of the Brain to Performance program, we knew there was great potential for this neuro-stimulating technology to help improve on-track performances of the Nissan Formula E Team drivers. Our research conducted through Seasons 7 and 8 showed that people’s abilities to learn and retain knowledge was significantly enhanced. The training protocols developed together with Plato Science and Wave Neuro further confirmed this, with improvements in the drivers’ cognitive functions.
“Following these encouraging results, we believe this technology could provide a substantial benefit far beyond the world of motorsports. Backed up by our earlier research at the University of Essex, Campus Bio-Tech and Brain-credible, we are excited to uncover further opportunities for this to be used in Nissan’s electric vehicles of the future. I would like to thank all of our partners who have made this possible over the past few seasons and look forward to further developments over the coming years.”
Driving towards the future with Brain to Performance
Nissan aims to leverage its expertise in transferring knowledge and technology between the racetrack and the road to enhance the electric vehicle (EV) experience for its customers. Together with the University of Texas at Austin, Nissan is exploring how this technology could continue to evolve and be integrated into Nissan dealerships. More specifically, how the brain computer interface-based training could be designed to assist customers improving their driving skills quicker. 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. As the research continues to develop, the more we know and the more we can apply the findings in creative and exciting ways.
... notas de SP