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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 11, 2026

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ROBucket: A low cost operant chamber based on the Arduino microcontroller.

Kavya Devarakonda1, Katrina P Nguyen1, Alexxai V Kravitz2

  • 1Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Building 10-CRC, Room 5-5932, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.

Behavior Research Methods
|May 29, 2015
PubMed
Summary

Researchers developed the Rodent Operant Bucket (ROBucket), an affordable, open-source operant chamber for animal behavior research. This system facilitates training mice for learning and motivation studies using accessible technology.

Keywords:
ArduinoInstrumental conditioningOpen sourceOperant chamberOperant conditioning

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Behavioral Science
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Operant conditioning chambers are vital tools in animal behavioral research for studying learning and motivation.
  • Commercial operant boxes are expensive, limiting accessibility for many research labs.
  • There is a need for cost-effective and customizable operant conditioning systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To design and build an inexpensive, open-source operant chamber for rodent behavioral research.
  • To provide a customizable platform for assessing learning and motivational behaviors.
  • To make advanced behavioral paradigms accessible to a wider range of researchers.

Main Methods:

  • Construction of the Rodent Operant Bucket (ROBucket) using an Arduino microcontroller platform.
  • Integration of two nose pokes, a drinking well, and a solenoid-controlled liquid delivery system.
  • Programming for fixed ratio, progressive ratio, and complex behavioral schedules.

Main Results:

  • The ROBucket was successfully constructed as a low-cost, easily assembled operant chamber.
  • The system effectively trains mice for liquid-reinforced operant tasks.
  • The open-source design allows for customization and integration of additional sensors like motion and video tracking.

Conclusions:

  • The Rodent Operant Bucket (ROBucket) offers a viable, affordable alternative to commercial operant chambers.
  • The open-source nature promotes wider adoption and further innovation in behavioral neuroscience tools.
  • This system democratizes access to sophisticated behavioral research capabilities.