Activity Cage
Automated rodent activity monitoring system with integrated running wheel, capacitive touch screen control, and comprehensive data recording for locomotor and circadian rhythm studies.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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The Activity Cage is a comprehensive behavioral monitoring system designed for automated assessment of rodent locomotor activity and circadian rhythm patterns. The system combines a standard home cage environment with an integrated running wheel, capacitive touch screen control interface, and advanced data recording capabilities. The apparatus features species-specific wheel diameters (20 cm for mice, 40 cm for rats) with motorized or manual rotation modes, enabling researchers to conduct both spontaneous activity monitoring and controlled exercise protocols.
The system provides continuous monitoring of wheel-running behavior with high temporal resolution, supporting test durations from minutes to extended circadian studies up to 9000 minutes. Built-in RFID technology allows for individual animal identification in group studies, while additional stimulus modules (shock, air puff, sound generation) enable investigation of activity responses to environmental challenges. Data collection options include distance-based metrics (meters, m/s) or rotational counting (revolutions, rpm) with storage capacity for up to 200 data sets.
How It Works
The Activity Cage operates through continuous monitoring of wheel rotation using precision sensors that detect each revolution with 0.1g force sensitivity. The motorized wheel system can operate in manual mode for spontaneous activity measurement or controlled mode with programmable rotation speeds from 0.1 to 99.9 rpm. The capacitive touch screen interface allows researchers to configure test parameters including duration, auto start/stop schedules, and stimulus presentations.
Data acquisition occurs through integrated sensors that track wheel revolutions and convert to distance or speed metrics in real-time. The RFID technology enables automatic animal identification when multiple subjects are tested sequentially. Environmental stimuli (auditory tones from 100-40,000 Hz at 1-150 dB, shock delivery, or air puff) can be programmed to assess activity responses to specific triggers.
The system records activity patterns with temporal resolution suitable for circadian analysis, storing up to 200 complete data sets in internal memory. Data output includes raw counts, distance traveled, speed profiles, and timing information for comprehensive behavioral analysis.
Features & Benefits
gripping-plate-area
- 20×20 cm
- 25x25cm
maximum-tensile-force
- 0 – 50 N (5kgf)
cage_area
- 1000 cm²
wheel_diameter_mouse
- 20 cm
wheel_diameter_rat
- 40 cm
gripping_plate_area
- 20×20 cm, 25x25cm
maximum_tensile_force
- 0 – 50 N (5kgf)
test_time_range
- 0 – 9000 minutes
motor_acceleration
- 0.1 – 100 r/min²
data_storage_capacity
- up to 200 data sets
speaker_frequency_range
- 100-40,000 Hz
speaker_intensity
- 1-150 dB
wheel_rotation_modes
- clockwise or counter clock
data_counting_modes
- count by distance (m, m/s) or count by a circle (r, r/min)
wheel_type
- motorized or manual rotation
connectivity
- USB cable
additional_features
- RFID technology, shock or air puff, dual visible and IR light bulb, sound detector
Behavioral Construct
- locomotor activity
- circadian rhythms
- voluntary exercise
- motor function
- behavioral arousal
- activity patterns
Automation Level
- semi-automated
Accuracy
- 0.1g steps
Material
- Stainless Steel
Power/Voltage
- 20W
- AC 190V-230V 50HZ
Species
- Mouse
- Rat
Speed/RPM
- 0.1 – 99.9 r/min with step 0.1 r/min
Display Type
- capacitive touch screen
Research Domain
- Addiction Research
- Aging Research
- Anxiety and Depression
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Learning and Memory
- Neuroscience
Compatible Tracking Software
- ConductVision
Weight
- 21.0 kg
Dimensions
- L: 43.2 mm
- W: 38.0 mm
- H: 27.9 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel Diameter Options | Species-specific diameters: 20 cm (mouse), 40 cm (rat) | Many systems offer fixed diameter wheels or limited size options | Proper wheel sizing ensures natural running biomechanics and accurate activity measurements for different species. |
| Control Interface | Capacitive touch screen with handheld control device | Basic systems often require computer connection or simple button interfaces | Intuitive touch screen control enables real-time parameter adjustment and monitoring without external computer dependency. |
| Test Duration Range | 0-9000 minutes (150 hours) with programmable scheduling | Entry-level systems typically offer shorter maximum durations | Extended duration capability accommodates multi-day circadian studies and long-term behavioral assessments. |
| Data Storage Capacity | Up to 200 complete data sets with internal storage | Basic systems often have limited storage or require continuous data export | High-capacity storage enables extended studies with multiple animals without data loss concerns. |
| Stimulus Integration | Built-in sound (100-40,000 Hz), shock, and air puff capabilities | Most activity wheels lack integrated stimulus delivery systems | Integrated stimuli allow investigation of activity responses to environmental challenges within the same apparatus. |
| Animal Identification | RFID technology for automatic individual tracking | Manual identification methods or no individual tracking in basic systems | Automated identification eliminates errors in longitudinal studies and enables efficient group study protocols. |
The Activity Cage combines comprehensive activity monitoring with integrated stimulus delivery and automated data management in a single system. The species-specific design, extended duration capability, and RFID identification provide research-grade functionality for behavioral and circadian studies.
Practical Tips
Verify wheel rotation smoothness and force sensitivity before each study by manually testing wheel drag is below 3 grams.
Why: Proper calibration ensures accurate activity measurements and prevents mechanical resistance from affecting natural running behavior.
Clean wheel bearings and rotation mechanisms regularly, especially after studies involving food rewards or extended use periods.
Why: Debris accumulation can increase wheel drag beyond the 3-gram specification, compromising measurement accuracy.
Allow animals 24-48 hours acclimation in the cage before beginning data collection to establish baseline activity patterns.
Why: Initial exploration and stress responses can confound true activity measurements in novel environments.
Monitor data storage capacity regularly during extended studies to ensure complete data capture throughout the experimental period.
Why: The 200 data set limit could be reached during intensive multi-animal or long-duration studies, potentially causing data loss.
If wheel rotation becomes erratic, check for bedding material or food particles interfering with the rotation mechanism.
Why: Environmental debris is the most common cause of mechanical issues affecting wheel performance and data accuracy.
Test all stimulus functions (sound, shock, air puff) at minimum intensities before applying to animals to verify proper operation.
Why: Stimulus malfunction could deliver inappropriate intensities that cause animal distress or compromise experimental validity.
Use consistent lighting and temperature conditions throughout studies, as environmental changes can significantly affect circadian activity patterns.
Why: Activity monitoring is highly sensitive to environmental variables that can mask or confound experimental treatments.
Export and backup data regularly rather than relying solely on internal storage, especially during multi-week studies.
Why: System failures or data corruption could result in loss of valuable longitudinal data that cannot be easily replicated.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Activity cage with integrated running wheel mount
- Species-appropriate running wheel (20 cm or 40 cm diameter)
- Handheld control device with capacitive touch screen
- USB connectivity cable
- Water bottle and mounting hardware
- Food holder assembly
- User manual and quick start guide (typical)
- Calibration documentation (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with comprehensive technical support for setup, calibration, and troubleshooting throughout the warranty period.
Compliance
What is the temporal resolution for circadian rhythm analysis?
The system provides continuous monitoring with programmable sampling intervals suitable for circadian analysis, though specific temporal resolution should be confirmed in the product datasheet for your application requirements.
Can the system accommodate group housing studies?
The system is designed for individual animal monitoring with RFID identification capability, making it suitable for sequential testing of multiple animals but not simultaneous group housing assessment.
How sensitive is the wheel rotation detection?
Wheel drag is maintained below 3 grams, with 0.1g step accuracy in force measurement, providing sensitive detection of wheel movement without impeding natural running behavior.
What data formats are available for export?
Data export formats and connectivity options should be confirmed in the product datasheet, though USB connectivity enables data transfer to external analysis software.
How do I calibrate the force and rotation sensors?
Calibration procedures should be performed according to manufacturer specifications provided in the user manual, ensuring accurate force detection and rotational measurements.
Can environmental stimuli be synchronized with activity measurements?
Yes, the system integrates sound generation (100-40,000 Hz), shock, and air puff stimuli that can be programmed with activity monitoring protocols for stimulus-response studies.
What is the maximum study duration for continuous monitoring?
The system supports test durations up to 9000 minutes (150 hours) with programmable auto start/stop scheduling for extended circadian or multi-day studies.
How does this compare to traditional activity monitoring methods?
Compared to manual observation or basic wheel counters, this system provides automated data collection, precise temporal resolution, stimulus integration, and individual animal identification without requiring constant researcher supervision.
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