# Brain-Controlled Drone Races The University of Florida Creates the First Race of Its Kind By Meghan Young | Published 2016-04-25 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braincontrolled-drone-races References: [techcrunch](http://techcrunch.com/2016/04/25/university-of-florida-held-the-worlds-first-brain-controlled-drone-race/) Drone races might not be new and brain-computer interface (BCI) technology might not be new, but brain-controlled drone races? Very new. In fact, the University of Florida has just conducted the very first of its kind. As though straight out of a sci-fi movie -- minus the neon lights and spacesuits -- students competed against each other using nothing more than their brain power. Ok, perhaps a little more goes behind these brain-controlled drone races. 16 pilots used their brainwaves to fly drones down a 10 yard indoor course via electroencephalogram headsets. Although the actual act of racing still requires a lot of tweaking to make the sport more exciting, the fact that brain-controlled drone races are now possible is a huge step in a new type of recreation. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 22% | Activity: 83% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Brain-controlled Drone Races:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced brain-computer interface technology for more thrilling and immersive drone racing experiences. - **BCI Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Apply brain-computer interface technology to create new interactive and control methods in various industries like gaming, healthcare, and virtual reality. - **Drone Racing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore and innovate the drone racing industry by incorporating brain-controlled features for a unique and futuristic competitive experience. ### Who This Affects Most - **Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine brain-computer interface technology with technological advancements to revolutionize various industries like robotics, AI, and automation. - **Gaming:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate brain-computer interface technology into gaming systems to create immersive and mind-controlled gaming experiences. - **Healthcare:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Apply brain-computer interface technology to assist individuals with physical disabilities, allowing them to control robotic devices and improve quality of life. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Neurotechnology Gaming Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neurable-x-hyperx.md) - [Brainwave-Connected Tech Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/myndplay-myndhub.md) - [Surgically-Implanted Brain Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neuralinks.md) - [Mind-Controlled Smart Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/migu-headband.md) - [Brain-Interfacing Gaming Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyperx-eeg-headset.md) - [Wearable Drone Controller Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drone-controller-concept.md) - [Mind-Controlled Wheelchair Developments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jos-milln.md) - [Laser-Controlled Military Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lasercontrolled-military-drone.md) - [Brain Activity-Focused Research Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neurable1.md)