For a detailed video explanation of the entire build process, watch here: 

NeuroPulse: Wi-Fi Enabled Cognitive Training System for All Ages

NeuroPulse is an interactive LED-based therapy game designed to enhance reaction time, cognitive function, and hand-eye coordination. By integrating the ESP32-C6, the system offers wireless connectivity via esp-now  protocol and improved performance. Users respond to random LED patterns, while the system provides real-time scoring and adjustable difficulty levels to keep them engaged. This compact, scalable, and IoT-ready solution is ideal for healthcare, education, and personal wellness applications. 

MyLists | DigiKey - NeuroPulse

Components for Main Board

• 1x ESP32-C6-DEVKITC-1-N8
• 8x 74HC595 module
• 1x 7805
• 120x RGB led common cathode
• 20meters AWG 28 single lead wire
• 10meters per each AWG 26 wire (red, blue, white, yellow, black)
• 2x zero PCB
• 1x 16X2_I2C display
• 1x 12VDC/2A power supply
• 2x M3 X 25mm Female to Female Brass Hex
• 4x M3x20mm Male to Female Brass Hex
• 8x M3x10mm Screws
• 8x8 feet foam sheet

Components for striker

• 1x ESP32 Mini
• 1x joystick module
• 1x color sensor
• 1x vibrator
• 1x buzzer
• 1x li-po battery
• 1x charger module
• 1x pvc endcap
• 1 role dual side tape  

Making:

Step 1 – Sensor and Input Testing

I connected the color sensor to the ESP32 Mini and tested the joystick (X and Y values), button input, and vibration motors. Using all these inputs, I created a message packet that includes:

• Joystick X
• Joystick Y
• Switch status

• Color sensor value

  Packet look like this "x,y,sw, colour"

  

Using this circuit diagram I connected above circuit 

Here I taken the pvc pipe endcaps in that I maked the hole on side to access the usb port with help of dual tap and glue gun I fits the all circuitry inside the end cap after assembly it looks like 

Step 2 – Preparing the Foam Sheet Base

I used a 5 mm thick foam sheet of size 3 × 2 feet.
I marked the LED placement layout and designed two LED matrix sections:

• One 8×8 matrix

• One 7×7 matrix

  After marking 

  

Step 3 – Drilling Holes

I made holes in the foam sheet according to the marked matrix layout.

Step 4 – Inserting RGB LEDs

I inserted all RGB LEDs into the holes and applied glue to hold them firmly in place.

Step 5 – LED Wiring Preparation

I bent the LED legs:

• All anodes toward one side
• All cathodes toward the opposite side

Using AWG28 single-core wire, I soldered each LED and grouped:

• All red pins together
• All green pins together
• All blue pins together

Step 6 – Adding Shift Registers

I placed shift registers for both the anode side and the cathode side.
Then I connected all LED wires to their respective shift registers.

Step 7 – Signal Pin Setup

I connected as per circuit diagram:

• All latch pins to one GPIO
• Separate serial data lines for the 7×7 and 8×8 matrices
• A common clock line for the anode-side shift registers

Step 8 – Controller and Display Connection

I connected the ESP32-C6 to the shift registers and attached the 16×2 LCD (I2C) for display output.

Step 9 – LED Test Code

I wrote test code to randomly blink LEDs on the matrix and verified hardware functionality.

Step 10 – Wireless Communication

I established wireless communication between the two ESP32 boards (master and slave) using ESP-NOW and tested successful data transfer.

Step 11 – Game Logic & Scoring

Based on the messages received from the master, the slave takes decisions such as:

• Updating the score
• Blinking specific LED patterns

Everything worked correctly after final testing.