Virtual Reality for uncovering neural dynamics in decision making.

VR systems - new possibilities in neuroscience.

We provide unique VR systems for the study of animal behaviour in neuroscience. Our JetBall spherical treadmills allow a mouse or rat to navigate and perform behavioural tasks in a virtual world, while the brain is examined with optogenetic, electrophysiological, or in-vivo imaging methods.

VR allows much more flexible modifications of experimental environments and conditions than real mazes, e.g. hiding and switching landmarks automatically, teleporting of an animal to a new task or by using endless mazes.

We spent many years developing and refining our JetBall and other systems for rodents in cooperation with leading scientists. Utilize our experience for your own research to explore new horizons in neurobiology.

Benefits from our virtual environments:

  • Use our predefined virtual JetBall mazes for learning, memory, cognition and navigation tasks: 2m-Corridor, Endless-Corridor, T-Maze, Plus-Maze, Y-Maze, 1m-Open Field.
  • Create your own virtual mazes with our flexible software: place landmarks variable in size and shape appearing and disappearing at defined times, run different mazes as test batteries in a single sequence without removing the animal from the top of the ball, or uncouple the virtual reality and the actual movement of the animal.
  • Extend the JetBall system with our optional operant modules for combining them with virtual scenes.
  • Relay experimental data from the JetBall via our data transfer system to any additional experimental computer for synchronising data streams.
JetBall

JetBall TFT

The air-cushioned spherical treadmill allows a restrained rodent to navigate in virtual space presented on a 270° TFT surround monitor.

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JetBall Dome

The JetBall Dome allows a rodent to navigate in a virtual world presented by projecting into a spherical 1.2m igloo type screen.

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Steering wheel for VR

Steering Wheel Add-on

Rotational input add-on to the PhenoSys VR setups which allows probing mouse visual decisions.

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Wheel Add-On

Turn the ball of the JetBall system into a fully functional wheel within minutes.

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SpeedBelt

SpeedBelt

The PhenoSys SpeedBelt is a linear treadmill designed for stand-alone applications or for the integration with our JetBall VR systems.

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linear treadmill for rats

TopoBelt large

The PhenoSys TopoBelt is a linear treadmill designed for rats and similarly sized animals.

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