In the world of DIY cyberdecks, where enthusiasts strive to create machines that evoke the futuristic aesthetic of the cyberpunk genre, a new project has caught the attention of tech enthusiasts. YouTuber The Civitas Universe has developed a cyberdeck with a unique twist – an integrated brain activity sensing headband. While this device may not allow users to “jack in” to a virtual reality world like in the novel Neuromancer, it does open up possibilities for mind-controlled applications in the real world.
The centerpiece of this cyberdeck is the Muse 2 brain activity sensing headband, which features four electroencephalography sensors designed to measure electrical activity in different regions of the brain. While this technology is far from the fictional neural interface seen in works of science fiction, it does offer a practical means of monitoring basic brain functions. By connecting the headband to a Raspberry Pi 5 single-board computer housed in a sleek 3D-printed case, The Civitas Universe has created a device that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie.
Integrated into the cyberdeck is a Pimoroni HyperPixel 4.0 Hi-Res Display, capable of showing both visual representations of brain activity and textual descriptions of the brain regions being monitored. To interact with the system, an Adafruit MacroPad RP2040 Starter Kit serves as the input device, allowing users to select which brain region they wish to monitor. The combination of cutting-edge technology and innovative design makes this cyberdeck a standout project in the maker community.
But what sets this cyberdeck apart is not its flashy appearance or technical components, but rather the practical application that The Civitas Universe has developed for it. Struggling with meditation due to a restless mind, the creator decided to gamify the practice using the cyberdeck. By programming a Bluetooth light bulb to be controlled by the user’s brain activity, with the brightness level reflecting how calm their mind is, the cyberdeck becomes a tool for improving focus and mindfulness.
Surprisingly, this system has had tangible benefits for The Civitas Universe, leading to improved sleep, memory, and focus. It goes to show that this cyberdeck is more than just a novelty – it has the potential to positively impact daily life. As The Civitas Universe continues to explore the possibilities of this technology, one can’t help but wonder what other practical applications could be developed using a similar setup.
In a world where technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, projects like this cyberdeck showcase the creative potential of DIY enthusiasts. By blending cutting-edge hardware with innovative ideas, individuals like The Civitas Universe are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of personal computing. As the popularity of cyberdecks continues to grow, it will be exciting to see how future projects build upon the foundation laid by pioneers in the maker community.