Robotic Algometry produces RAMalgo (Reproducible Automated Multimodal algometer), an AI-powered robot that automates sensory testing, dramatically increasing the throughput and reproducibility of traditional pain tests while also quantifying non-reflexive behaviours using state-of-the-art machine learning.
Current experimental techniques in sensory studies involve applying stimuli by hand and measuring responses by eye. This is subjective and prone to bias. This also necessitates that a person be in close proximity to animals during testing, which is known to stress the animals and affect outcomes.
In contrast, RAMalgo provides exquisite control of stimulation with different modalities (heat, mechanical, and optogenetic) and response measurement with millisecond precision. The robot can be controlled remotely, via joystick, or it can run autonomously thanks to AI. In the autonomous configuration, a neural network recognizes the target paw, aims the robot, stimulates and measures the response, before proceeding to the next subject. All data are recorded to electronic files. Video of each trial is recorded as well, and can be analyzed using our cutting-edge self-supervised learning algorithm, which enables efficient quantification of non-reflexive behaviours.
Optogenetic and thermal stimuli are applied using blue and infrared light, respectively.
Mechanical stimuli are applied with our purpose-built mechanical stimulator.
