BlueBuzzah Download Updater
Menu
Download Updater

Open vCR Therapy System

BlueBuzzah is an open-source vibrotactile coordinated reset (vCR) therapy device system which delivers gentle, precisely calculated patterns of vibrations to user's fingertips. Based upon peer-reviewed research demonstrating potential symptom relief for Parkinson's patients.

What is BlueBuzzah? Build a pair

What is BlueBuzzah?

BlueBuzzah is a community-driven, open-source project creating accessible vibrotactile therapy devices for people living with Parkinson's disease. BlueBuzzah is inspired by groundbreaking research on vibrotactile coordinated reset (vCR) stimulation.

The system applies gentle vibrations to fingertips, stimulating sensory neurons connected to motor control regions of the brain. Research suggests this may help address tremor, rigidity, and movement challenges.

Built on readily available hardware and open-source software, BlueBuzzah empowers patients, caregivers, and makers to build their own therapy devices.

  • Bluetooth Low Energy

    Wireless device sync

  • 8+ Hours Battery

    Extended therapy sessions

  • Configurable Patterns

    Customizable therapy

  • Open Source

    MIT licensed

How it works

  1. Build your gloves

    Follow the open build guide to put together a pair of gloves. Each fingertip gets a small vibration motor.

  2. Load the firmware

    Plug each glove into your computer. BlueBuzzah Updater loads the firmware and sets which glove is left and which is right.

  3. Start a session

    The gloves pulse each fingertip in a changing order. The BuzzahBuddy phone app, coming soon, will let you start, stop and adjust sessions.

The science behind it

BlueBuzzah is inspired by groundbreaking clinical research on vibrotactile coordinated reset (vCR) stimulation conducted by leading neuroscience researchers.

Disclaimer

BlueBuzzah devices are not FDA approved medical devices and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided through BlueBuzzah is for general wellness purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The system components

  • Hardware

    In Progress

    Open-source hardware specification utilizing precise LRAs (Linear Resonant Actuators), commodity circuit board components, and 3D-printable enclosures. The battery typically lasts 8 hours or more.

    Build guide

  • Firmware

    The code that operates the gloves. It keeps the left and right glove in sync and allows for custom control and configuration.

    Firmware docs

  • BlueBuzzah Updater

    Device management Desktop application. Intuitive step-by-step wizards to update and configure your devices over USB on macOS and Windows.

    Download

  • BuzzahBuddy

    Coming Soon

    The smartphone companion app for therapy session control and progress monitoring. Start, stop, and customize your therapy from your phone.

    Visit BuzzahBuddy.com

Important

People with implanted electrodes from deep brain stimulation (DBS), heart pacemakers, or other internal electronic devices should take special precautions around all electronic devices, including BlueBuzzah. Consult your physician before use.

Download BlueBuzzah Updater

BlueBuzzah Updater downloads and updates the firmware on your devices, and allows you to customize their configuration from your computer.

Download app for macOS Download for Windows Read the guide

What you need

  • macOS 10.15 Catalina or later
  • Windows 10 (64-bit) or later

Community

BlueBuzzah exists thanks to the dedication of researchers, contributors, community members, and people living with Parkinson's who share what they learn.

  • Dr. Peter Tass and Tass Lab, Stanford

    For all their dedicated work in inventing and improving a vibrotactile glove treatment for Parkinson's.

  • The Parkinson's community

    Community members from Health Unlocked, GitHub, YouTube, and beyond for their participation, feedback, and suggestions.

  • The founding BlueBuzzah Partners

    PWPInnovator898 and TactileDesign on GitHub, for their tireless efforts in research, development, prototyping, testing, and open-sourcing the BlueBuzzah project.

  • Kris Wilk

    For the development and contribution of the original Buzzah! wired device and software.

Contribute on GitHub