Let's Build Own BCI Project | 매거진에 참여하세요

Open Source. Brainwaves. Code. Let’s go.

What is OpenBCI?

OpenBCI (Open-source Brain-Computer Interface) is a platform that lets anyone collect and analyze biosignals like

- EEG (brainwaves)

• - EMG (muscle activity),

• - ECG (heart signals) — all in open source.

Started by Joel Murphy and Conor Russomanno from MIT Media Lab in 2013,

OpenBCI was successfully crowdfunded on Kickstarter and has since evolved into one of the most accessible BCI platforms in the world.

• Website: openbci.com

• GitHub: github.com/OpenBCI

Why Was OpenBCI Created?

Traditionally, EEG and biosignal analysis required expensive medical-grade equipment.

But researchers, artists, hackers, and developers needed a cheaper, hackable alternative.

So, OpenBCI emerged to make brain-computer interfacing accessible to everyone — not just labs.

Core Values:

• ✅ Open-source hardware & software

• ✅ Arduino-compatible & customizable

• ✅ Developer and maker-friendly community

• ✅ Affordable (just 10–20% the cost of medical EEGs)

Today, OpenBCI is used in neurofeedback, psychology experiments, BCI games, and even brain-controlled robots.

What Does OpenBCI Include?

🔌 Hardware

• Cyton Board (8 channels)

• – The main EEG board that’s Arduino-compatible.

• Daisy Module

• – Expands Cyton to 16 channels.

• Ganglion Board (4 channels)

• – Entry-level board for simple experiments.

• Ultracortex Headset

• – A 3D-printed EEG headset that fits electrode sensors onto your head.

• WiFi Shield

• – Enables faster streaming over WiFi (instead of Bluetooth).

Note: "Channel" means number of brain areas measured simultaneously. 8-channel = 8 locations.

💻 Software

• OpenBCI GUI

• – Visualize, record, and analyze brainwave data.

• - BrainFlow SDK

• A powerful cross-platform SDK (Python, C++, JS) to control boards and read data.

• - 3rd-party integration

• Works with OpenViBE, BCILAB, and more.

What Can You Build With It?

OpenBCI isn’t just about collecting data — it’s about creating new interactions between brain and machine. Some ideas:

Focus Detection

– Visualize concentration in real time based on beta wave activity

• Neurofeedback Apps

• – Feedback loops that change visuals based on relaxation or focus

• Brain-Controlled Games

• – Move a game character by focusing or relaxing

• Drone Control

• – Map brain patterns to control drone directions

• VR/AR Integration

• – Make immersive experiences that react to your mental state

Here’s a simple example using Python & BrainFlow SDK:

import argparse
import time

from brainflow.board_shim import BoardShim, BrainFlowInputParams, BoardIds


def main():
    BoardShim.enable_dev_board_logger()

    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser()
    # use docs to check which parameters are required for specific board, e.g. for Cyton - set serial port
    parser.add_argument('--timeout', type=int, help='timeout for device discovery or connection', required=False,
                        default=0)
    parser.add_argument('--ip-port', type=int, help='ip port', required=False, default=0)
    parser.add_argument('--ip-protocol', type=int, help='ip protocol, check IpProtocolType enum', required=False,
                        default=0)
    parser.add_argument('--ip-address', type=str, help='ip address', required=False, default='')
    parser.add_argument('--serial-port', type=str, help='serial port', required=False, default='')
    parser.add_argument('--mac-address', type=str, help='mac address', required=False, default='')
    parser.add_argument('--other-info', type=str, help='other info', required=False, default='')
    parser.add_argument('--serial-number', type=str, help='serial number', required=False, default='')
    parser.add_argument('--board-id', type=int, help='board id, check docs to get a list of supported boards',
                        required=True)
    parser.add_argument('--file', type=str, help='file', required=False, default='')
    parser.add_argument('--master-board', type=int, help='master board id for streaming and playback boards',
                        required=False, default=BoardIds.NO_BOARD)
    args = parser.parse_args()

    params = BrainFlowInputParams()
    params.ip_port = args.ip_port
    params.serial_port = args.serial_port
    params.mac_address = args.mac_address
    params.other_info = args.other_info
    params.serial_number = args.serial_number
    params.ip_address = args.ip_address
    params.ip_protocol = args.ip_protocol
    params.timeout = args.timeout
    params.file = args.file
    params.master_board = args.master_board

    board = BoardShim(args.board_id, params)
    board.prepare_session()
    board.start_stream ()
    time.sleep(10)
    # data = board.get_current_board_data (256) # get latest 256 packages or less, doesnt remove them from internal buffer
    data = board.get_board_data()  # get all data and remove it from internal buffer
    board.stop_stream()
    board.release_session()

    print(data)


if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

Want to see real-time brain activity in your terminal? This is all you need to get started.

Limitations and the Road Ahead

No technology is perfect — especially when it’s trying to read the human brain from outside your skull.

❌ Current Limitations:

• Not as precise as medical-grade EEGs

• Signal noise from muscle movement or interference

• Setup is slightly bulky (headset, wires, gels)

• High individual variability – training is often required

✅ But the Future Looks Bright:

• Non-invasive BCI is safer and more accessible than brain implants

• Machine learning continues to improve signal classification

• New wearable-friendly designs are emerging for daily use

• Communities are constantly pushing the boundaries (just look at their Discord)

Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Start Your Own BCI Project

Whether you're a student, developer, artist, or just curious

— OpenBCI gives you the tools to communicate with the brain in real time.

The barriers are low, the code is open, and the community is thriving.

We’re not just reading brainwaves anymore. We’re building with them.

So what will you create with OpenBCI?

Resources

• https://www.openbci.com

• https://github.com/OpenBCI

• https://brainflow.org