The PhenoSys JetBall system combines an air-cushioned spherical treadmill with an immersive visual environment, allowing mice and rats to navigate effortlessly in a virtual world. This unique setup empowers researchers to investigate brain functions during a multitude of complex behavioral paradigms, from navigation and cognition to learning, decision-making, and memory.
The system’s flexibility in maze geometry, appearance, and interactions, coupled with the speed of repetition, offers unparalleled control and experimental design possibilities.
Features
An air-cushioned spherical treadmill (Ball holder, 2 balls)
Choice of display- TFT monitor ring or dome display
Dual XY motion sensors
Hardware Setup: movable rack, computer with pre-installed software- PhenoSoft Control , PhenoSoft Schedule, PhenoSoft VR, Virtual Corridor 2 m, Control monitor, keyboard & mouse
Power supply unit & pressure regulator system
Interactive add-ons like reward delivery systems, whisker stimulation, audio and odor stimuli
Predefined experiments or create your own with our software (1 complementary custom paradigm provided with the system)
JetBall- TFT
The JetBall-TFT utilizes an octagonal 270° TFT surround monitor system to create a high-resolution, cylindrical virtual environment around the animal.
This setup delivers crisp visuals with high-contrast image and luminescence, seamless horizontal display, providing an excellent platform for precise visual stimulus presentation.
TFT monitor ring height: 44 cm
JetBall Dome
The JetBall-Dome employs a quarter-sphere mirror projection system that reflects warped images from a projector onto a spherical dome screen.
This creates a larger, seamless, and highly immersive virtual environment, eliminating visual discontinuities and offering an expansive field of view (180 to 270-degree horizontal), for tasks requiring broad spatial awareness. Top Cut-out Option is available for enhanced vertical access special imaging setups like 2P-microscopy.
Dome Diameter: 120 cm
Projector Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
Key Benefits
Effortless & Natural Navigation
Air-Cushioned Spherical Treadmill: Allows animals to run and turn freely.
Reduced Stress: Minimizes disturbances to animals, fostering more natural and ecologically valid behaviors.
Immersive Virtual Environments
Choose Your Display: Select between the high-resolution clarity of the 270° TFT monitor ring or the expansive, seamless immersion of the Dome projection system (180-270°).
Dynamic Paradigm Design: Create your own maze, control visual appearance, and design complex interactive scenarios with custom software.
Integrated Multi-Modal Recording
Synchronized Data Capture: Seamlessly combine JetBall behavioral data with external electrophysiological recordings, advanced in vivo imaging (like Mini2P), and optogenetic manipulations.
Optimized Access: Design allows for clear access to the animal for various experimental setups.
Automated Control & Data Management
All inclusive software package: Pre-installed software facilitates easy experiment definition, execution, and real-time data acquisition.
Flexible Data Transfer: Easily combine JetBall data with external recordings for comprehensive analysis.
Applications
The PhenoSys JetBall system is a versatile tool, enabling researchers to investigate a wide range of complex brain functions and behaviors.
Spatial Navigation & Learning
Study how animals learn and remember routes in complex virtual mazes.
Decision Making & Memory
Investigate neural correlates of choice behavior and memory recall.
Sensory-Motor Integration
Analyze how visual cues drive motor responses and adaptation.
Cognitive Disorders
Characterize behavioral impairments in models of neurodevelopmental, neurological, and psychiatric disorders.
Reward & Motivation
Design paradigms to study reward-seeking behavior and its underlying neural mechanisms.
Publications
Featured in numerous peer-reviewed studies across leading neuroscience journals.
Vendrell-Llopis N, Read J, Boggiano S, Hetzler B, Peitsinis Z, Stanley C, Visel M, Trauner D, Donthamsetti P, Carmena J, Lammel S, Isacoff EY. Dopamine D1 receptor activation in the striatum is sufficient to drive reinforcement of anteceding cortical patterns. Neuron. 2025 Jan 12.Vendrell-Llopis N, Read J, Boggiano S, Hetzler B, Peitsinis Z, Stanley C, Visel M, Trauner D,
Journal: Neuron, 2025 Jan 12 (Epub ahead of print)
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.12.013
Glorius, J. K., Wilson, L., Letsinger, A., Shirolkar, P., Cushman, J. Behavioral Training Procedures for Head-fixed Virtual Reality in Mice. J. Vis. Exp. (2024).Vendrell-Llopis N, Read J, Boggiano S, Hetzler B, Peitsinis Z, Stanley C, Visel M, Trauner D,
Journal : Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE), (211), e67312, 2024
DOI: 10.3791/67312
Forro and Klausberger, Differential behavior-related activity of distinct hippocampal interneuron types during odor-associated spatial navigation, Neuron (2023).Forro and Klausberger, Differential behavior-related activity of distinct hippocampal interneuron types during odor-associated spatial navigation, Neuron (2023).Forro and Klausberger, Differential behavior-related activity of distinct hippocampal interneuron types during
Journal: Neuron, 111(12), 1954-1972.e10, 2023
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.05.007
Viney TJ, Sarkany B, Ozdemir AT, Hartwich K, Schweimer J, Bannerman D, Somogyi P. (2022) Spread of pathological human Tau from neurons to oligodendrocytes and loss of high-firing pyramidal neurons in aging mice. Cell Rep.Viney TJ, Sarkany B, Ozdemir AT, Hartwich K, Schweimer J, Bannerman D, Somogyi
Journal: Cell Reports, 41(7), 111646, 2022
DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111646
Frequently Asked Questions
Interoperability, Customization & Modularity
Can JetBall be integrated with other systems?
Yes, there is always a basic system and optional modules and add-ons. The systems are modular and flexible.
Installation and set-up
How long does setup take?
About 4-5 hours including unpacking
Is on-site or remote support available?
Yes. Full on-site support, including unpacking, set-up and staff training on the JetBall (one day) is provided.
What are the space/power/environment requirements?
1.2 x 1 m for the (air) table, 1 x 1 m for the mobile cart, compressed air supply or compressor required for operating the ball holder of the JetBall, the air puff, and the whisker stimulation.
Data Collection, Storage & Security
How is data collected, stored, and exported?
csv files
Are backups, encryption, or cloud options available?
Backups are available from PhenoSys. Software. Updates are provided free of charge mostly.
User Experience
Habituation typically takes one to two days. The process begins with the animal acclimating to the ball’s surface. The compressed air system is then activated, and the animal learns to navigate and control the floating ball.
Technical Support & Troubleshooting
What are the channels which can be used to reach for technical support ?
https://www.phenosys.com/tech-support-form/
Warranty & Service Terms
What’s the warranty period?
One year
What does it cover?
Legally required scope.
Are extended service plans available?
Yes, one year of warranty is included. Each additinal year is charged with 8% of the product price.
Have Questions?
Contact Us
Get in touch with us and let us know how we can assist you.