Automated Hole Board
Automated behavioral testing apparatus for quantitative assessment of exploratory behavior in rodents, featuring modular hole configurations with infrared nose poke detection and real-time data integration.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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The Automated Hole Board is a specialized behavioral testing apparatus designed for quantitative assessment of exploratory behavior in rodents. The system features modular perforated floor configurations (16, 9, or 4 holes) with automated infrared or capacitive nose poke detection, enabling precise measurement of investigative behaviors in controlled environments.
Available in species-specific configurations for mice (40×40×35cm, 3cm hole diameter) and rats (60×60×45cm, 5cm hole diameter), the apparatus integrates with Neuralynx and Ethovision software platforms for comprehensive data collection. The modular design includes interchangeable wall sets (clear standard, black and white optional) to modify environmental conditions and test parameters according to experimental requirements.
How It Works
The Automated Hole Board operates on the principle of quantifying natural investigative behaviors through precise detection of nose poke events. When rodents explore the perforated floor, infrared or capacitive sensors positioned within each detection cup register contact events with submillimeter precision and millisecond timing resolution.
The modular floor system allows researchers to configure 4, 9, or 16 hole patterns to manipulate spatial complexity and cognitive demands. Each nose poke event is timestamped and spatially coded, generating datasets that reflect exploration strategies, habituation patterns, and spatial preferences. Integration with video tracking systems provides synchronized behavioral analysis combining automated detection with visual confirmation.
The escape-preventing wall system creates controlled environmental conditions while the modular design enables systematic manipulation of visual and spatial cues. Real-time data transmission to analysis software allows immediate feedback and experimental monitoring through SMS and email notification systems.
Features & Benefits
detection_method
- Infrared or capacitive sensors
design_type
- Modular design
floor_type
- Perforated floor
walls
- Escape-preventing walls
software_integration
- Neuralynx, Ethovision Integration
notification_system
- SMS and Email integration
io_boxes_required
- No I/O Boxes Required
configuration_options
- Multi-Chamber Configurations available
Behavioral Construct
- Exploratory behavior
- Spatial exploration
- Investigative behavior
- Habituation
- Spatial memory
- Anxiety-related behavior
Automation Level
- fully-automated
Research Domain
- Aging Research
- Anxiety and Depression
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Learning and Memory
- Neurodegeneration
- Neuroscience
Species
- Mouse
- Rat
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detection Method | Infrared or capacitive sensors with automated digital recording | Manual video scoring or simple beam-break detection systems | Eliminates observer bias and provides precise temporal resolution for complex behavioral analysis. |
| Floor Configuration Options | Three interchangeable patterns (4, 9, 16 holes) included | Single fixed configuration requiring multiple apparatus purchases | Enables within-subject experimental designs and systematic complexity manipulation using one system. |
| Software Integration | Native Neuralynx and Ethovision compatibility with real-time tracking | Limited software support or proprietary analysis platforms | Seamless integration with established research workflows and comprehensive analysis capabilities. |
| Species Configurations | Dedicated mouse and rat versions with optimized dimensions | Single-size systems requiring adaptation for different species | Species-appropriate scaling ensures natural behavior expression and optimal detection sensitivity. |
| Setup Complexity | No I/O boxes required for operation | Multiple interface boxes and complex wiring configurations | Simplified installation reduces setup time and minimizes potential connection failures during experiments. |
| Environmental Modification | Modular wall system with clear, black, and white options | Fixed wall configurations or manual modification requirements | Enables systematic environmental manipulation for anxiety and cognitive testing paradigms. |
The Automated Hole Board combines automated detection precision with modular experimental flexibility, offering researchers standardized behavioral quantification across multiple testing paradigms. The system's integration capabilities and species-specific design optimize data quality while simplifying experimental workflows.
| Model | SKU | Listed price | Status | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rat | ME-4504 | $3,995.00 | Available | 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm |
| Mouse | ME-4503 | $3,490.00 | Available | 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm |
Practical Tips
Test each nose poke sensor with a standardized probe before each experimental session to verify consistent detection thresholds.
Why: Environmental factors like humidity and temperature can affect sensor sensitivity over time.
Clean detection cups weekly with 70% ethanol and allow complete drying before reassembly to prevent sensor contamination.
Why: Residual cleaning solutions or moisture can interfere with infrared and capacitive detection accuracy.
Allow 10-minute habituation period before data collection begins to minimize neophobia effects on exploratory behavior.
Why: Initial anxiety responses to novel environments can mask natural exploration patterns and reduce data reliability.
If detecting false positives, check for loose floor connections and verify that sensor cups are properly seated in floor configurations.
Why: Mechanical vibrations from loose connections can trigger sensors without actual nose poke contact.
Synchronize video recording with automated detection to validate ambiguous nose poke events during data analysis.
Why: Visual confirmation helps distinguish genuine investigative behaviors from incidental contact events.
Randomize hole configurations across subjects and test days to prevent position bias in spatial exploration data.
Why: Animals may develop location preferences based on environmental cues rather than genuine exploratory motivation.
Ensure all electrical connections are secure and positioned away from animal access areas to prevent damage or safety hazards.
Why: Rodents may chew on exposed cables, creating safety risks and disrupting data collection during experiments.
Record ambient temperature and lighting conditions for each session as these factors can influence baseline activity levels.
Why: Environmental variables affect rodent behavior and should be documented for proper interpretation of exploration data.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Main apparatus chamber (species-specific dimensions)
- Three floor configurations (16, 9, and 4 hole patterns)
- 16 automated nose poke detection cups
- Clear wall set (standard)
- Detection interface and sensor cables
- Software integration cables
- User manual and setup guide
- Calibration protocol documentation
Warranty
ConductScience provides a one-year manufacturer warranty covering all electronic components and detection systems, with comprehensive technical support for software integration and calibration procedures.
Compliance
What is the detection accuracy of the nose poke sensors across different environmental conditions?
The infrared and capacitive sensors provide reliable detection under standard laboratory lighting and humidity conditions. Consult product datasheet for specific sensitivity specifications and environmental operating ranges.
Can the apparatus accommodate juvenile or aged animals with different mobility characteristics?
Species-specific dimensions are optimized for adult animals. The 3cm (mouse) and 5cm (rat) hole diameters accommodate natural nose dimensions across age groups, though detection sensitivity may require adjustment for very young subjects.
How does the system handle simultaneous nose pokes at multiple holes?
Each detection cup operates independently with individual sensor channels, enabling simultaneous detection and recording of multiple nose poke events with precise spatial and temporal resolution.
What data formats are exported for statistical analysis?
The system integrates with Neuralynx and Ethovision platforms which support standard research data formats. Consult software documentation for specific export options and statistical analysis capabilities.
How frequently does the detection system require calibration?
Regular calibration verification is recommended before each experimental session to ensure consistent detection thresholds. Full system calibration should be performed monthly or when environmental conditions change significantly.
Can the hole configurations be modified beyond the standard 4, 9, and 16 patterns?
The system includes three standard configurations optimized for different experimental paradigms. Custom hole patterns may be available through special order, consult ConductScience for modification options.
What is the maximum recording duration and data storage capacity?
Recording duration depends on the integrated software platform (Neuralynx or Ethovision). The apparatus itself provides continuous real-time data transmission without internal storage limitations.
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