Figure 1. A fully automated high-throughput training system for rodents.

A. Schematic of the hardware implementation. Custom-made behavior boxes, housing individual rats, are outfitted with task-specific sensors, manipulanda, and effectors. Water reward is delivered through a computer-controlled solenoid valve connected to the animal facility’s pressurized water supply. Client computers (2 boxes per computer) directly control and monitor the behavior boxes via a data acquisition card, using rules supplied by the Trainer. B. Logic of the software implementation. Training protocols and behavioral monitoring is implemented through a flexible and hierarchical software architecture. Clients (c) control individual trials by directly interfacing to a behavior box. The Trainer monitors overall performance and implements the training protocol by informing Clients about the rules and structure of individual trials. The user controls and monitors training remotely over the internet via a graphical user interface. Green arrows denote information flow regarding the training protocol; red arrows represent flow of behavior data.