Mindball debuts at Wonder Works

Mindball has become the latest exhibit to challenge visitors’ minds at Wonder Works. Mindball is a game that goes against the conventional competitive concept. Instead of activity and adrenalin, Mindball relies on calmness to measure a participants’ success. The goal is to be more relaxed than your opponent in order to move a physical ball away from you into your opponent’s goal.

This same technology is used as a training tool for cadets at The United Stated Military Academy at West Point. Officers are trained not only to be alert but also to control their thought process and remain calm in high-pressure situations. Mindball records and examines participants’ brain waves. In a battle of the minds, the participant who is able to achieve the level of least stress wins.

Mindball is a self-contained table top gaming experience. On the table top, a rubber-coated steel ball is moving back and forth during the game. The players wear headbands containing electrodes which are constantly measuring the participants’ brains’ EEG activities (Electroencephalogram is an electrical waveform that is recorded from the brain by using electrodes placed on the head). Players use their Alpha and Theta brainwaves to control the rubber-coated steel ball allowing them to push the ball across the table with their mind into their opponent’s goal and score a point. Alpha and Theta waves are strongest when a person is calm and relaxed, or concentrating intently.

The players and the audience can follow the mental process during a game as the players’ brain wave activity is presented graphically on a 52-inch monitor.

For more information about Wonder Works on International Drive, visit wonderworksonline.com.

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3 Comments

  1. Tried this, loved it. Was able to acheive almost flat lining X2. Would not suggest trying this in a hospital setting!!
    Other exhibits also worth seeing/trying.
    I felt that this was worth the money, reminded me of the Boston Childrens Science Museum.
    Kids would certainly love this whole building, starting from the outside….upside down. The building, not the kids!