Brain-Controlled Car: EEG + EMG Robotic Control

Description

This project allows you to drive a robotic car wirelessly using your mind and muscle signals via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). It uses: - Electroencephalography (EEG) (brainwaves) to command forward movement (Focus your mind → Move forward). - Electromyography (EMG) (muscle signals) to control steering and reverse (Flex arms → Steer/Reverse). The system is powered by the Neuro PlayGround (NPG) Lite device, a compact, multi-channel wireless biopotential amplifier designed for recording signals like EEG and EMG, offering various connectivity options.

Details

Ever dreamed of driving a car with your mind?

This project makes it possible - using EEG (brainwave) and EMG (muscle) signals to control a robotic car wirelessly via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

What is an Electroencephalography (EEG) ?

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a method used to record an electrogram of the brain's spontaneous electrical activity. It is typically non-invasive, with electrodes placed along the scalp (commonly referred to as "scalp EEG") using the International 10–20 system.

What is an Electromyography (EMG) ?

Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic and research technique that records the electrical signals generated by muscles when they contract or are at rest.

Focus your mind → Move forward

Flex your left/right arm → Steer left/right

Flex both arms together → Move reverse

Neuro PlayGround (NPG) Lite is a compact Adafruit Feather form factor, a multi-channel wireless biopotential signal amplifier designed for EMG, ECG, EOG, and EEG recording.

It offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Thread connectivity, along with patient protection, LEDs (User LED, charging LED, six addressable RGB LEDs), buttons (Reset and user button), LiPo battery charging, and USB-C with ESD protection. Its lightweight and user-friendly design makes it perfect for research, education, and wearable applications.

Neuro PlayGround Lite is available on CrowdSupply. Subscribe now to never miss out on any updates.

This project is made by Aman Maheshwari and Deepak khatri

Video Tutorial

Supplies

1. Biopotential Sensing

NPG Lite Device
Snap cables + electrodes (or alligator clips)
Nuprep + alcohol wipes
USB-C cable

2. Car Components

Robotic chassis (e.g., VoidBot)
2 × geared DC motors (6V–12V)
Motor driver: MX1508/ MX1616
XIAO ESP32C6 board (receiver)
LiPo battery
Slide switch

3. Tools

Soldering iron + wires
Screwdriver
Laptop with Arduino IDE

Components

1 × Neuro PlayGround Lite (NPG Lite) https://www.upsidedownlabs.tech

1 × Snap cables

1 × Gel Electrodes

1 × Nuprep Skin Prep Gel

1 × Alcohol Swabs

Build Instructions

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Step 1: Hardware Assembly

A. Build the Robotic Car

Watch this video for step-by-step guidance (only up to 5 minutes).
After 5 minutes, follow the circuit diagram below for wiring and connections.
Mount the DC motors to the chassis.

Step 2: Motor Driver Connection

Connect motors to the driver: Motor A → Left wheel, Motor B → Right wheel.
Power the motor driver MX1508/ MX1616
Wire the motor driver inputs to the XIAO ESP32C6 receiver pins.

Step 3: Motor Driver to XIAO Board Connection

Wire the motor driver inputs to the XIAO ESP32C6 receiver pins.
Secure all wiring and components to the chassis like this and the final setup should look like this.

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Brain-Controlled Car: EEG + EMG Robotic Control

Description

Details