Spherical Treadmill for Mice

Description

The Spherical Treadmill for Mice is an advanced system designed for controlled locomotion studies in animal research. It features a lightweight, air-supported spherical ball that allows subjects to move freely while enabling accurate real-time data capture. A key aspect of the treadmill is its optional unidirectional running control, achieved through a built-in brake system that limits the ball’s movement to a single direction, ensuring precise control during experiments. The device also offers an analog output for speed measurement, providing continuous real-time speed data for seamless integration with data acquisition systems. Additionally, the treadmill includes fan power control, allowing researchers to adjust airflow for optimal ball support and smooth operation. A USB interface is included for easy connection to computers, facilitating quick data transfer and system control, therefore making this treadmill a versatile and precise tool for behavioral and neuroscience research.

Our spherical treadmill features the followings:

Specifications

• 8-inch Styrofoam ball
• Quiet air delivery system
• 2 analog outputs (0-5V) for X and Y speed
• Potentiometer-controlled airflow
• 2 brakes to provide unidirectional running
• USB: data, brake control and air flow
• Calibrated for X and Y axes
• Optical IR motion sensor
• Two 40 mm mounting posts, one on each side
• U-shaped head restrainer assembly
• Flexible 1-inch air pipe with ultra-quiet airflow system
• Low-profile design to fit under a microscope
• Accessories holder for air-puff or water delivery

Virtual Reality integration

Our spherical treadmill for mice easily integrates with virtual reality setups, providing an efficient tool for behavioral and neural studies. The USB-based interface communicates directly with game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity, enabling precise control over virtual characters. As the mouse moves, real-time analog outputs translate into virtual world actions, creating an immersive experience. Moreover, this integration supports sophisticated experiments by linking physical locomotion with digital environments, making it ideal for studying spatial navigation, sensory-motor coordination, and decision-making in controlled virtual settings.

Maintenance of the spherical treadmill for mice

Finally, the ball and ball holder are designed for cost-effective maintenance and can be easily replaced with any standard 8-inch Styrofoam ball. The ball holder is fully autoclavable, supporting temperatures up to 175°C, ensuring safe sterilization and durability for repeated use.