Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2025
10:41
A Wireless, Bidirectional Interface for In Vivo Recording and Stimulation of Neural Activity in Freely Behaving Rats
Published on: November 7, 2017
13.4K
Wireless-controlled cubic neural stimulator for free-moving animals
Xinyu Liu1,2,3, Zhenling Su1, Qingran Gao3
1School of Intelligent Manufacturing, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian 463000, People's Republic of China.
Royal Society Open Science
|March 3, 2023
Summary
This study presents a small, wireless electrical stimulator using flexible PCB technology for neural prostheses. The device enables remote control of animal navigation, overcoming limitations of traditional rigid systems.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Robotics
Background:
- Traditional electrical stimulators use rigid printed circuit board (PCB) technology, limiting applications with free-moving subjects.
- Development of miniaturized, wireless stimulators is crucial for advanced neural prostheses and bio-robotic systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a small, lightweight, and wireless electrical stimulator utilizing flexible PCB technology.
- To demonstrate the functionality and feasibility of the stimulator for applications such as remote animal navigation.
Main Methods:
- Designed a cubic wireless electrical stimulator (1.6 × 1.8 × 1.6 cm, 4 g) with flexible PCB technology.
- Incorporated multi-channel capabilities (8 unipolar or 4 bipolar biphasic channels) with adjustable stimulation parameters.
- Validated functionality through both in vitro and in vivo experiments, including remote pigeon navigation.
Main Results:
- The flexible PCB and cubic structure resulted in a smaller, lighter, and more stable stimulator compared to traditional devices.
- The stimulator offers 100 current levels, 40 frequency levels, and 20 pulse-width-ratio levels for precise stimulation control.
- Successful remote pigeon navigation demonstrated the practical feasibility of the wireless electrical stimulator.
Conclusions:
- The developed flexible PCB-based wireless electrical stimulator is a significant advancement for neural prostheses and animal robotics.
- Its miniaturized, lightweight, and stable design, coupled with wireless control, overcomes previous technological limitations.
- The successful demonstration in remote navigation highlights its potential for complex biological and robotic applications.
