Behavioral MANET for the Automated Control of Complex Tasks in Animals

This Phase I SBIR is for the testing of a mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) platform to automate the training of animals to perform complex tasks. The technology will reduce the labor involved in training animals using MANETs of embedded devices that can be flexibly configured and monitored via Internet. The technology is built around the principles of behavior engineering. Behavioral sensing, prompting, and reinforcement are uncoupled, conferring many advantages. Humans can act as sensors when automated sensors are not available. Data management and adherence to reinforcement schedules are made easier through automation. New sensors are easily added to the MANET. The project begins with technology previously designed for human behavior modification and is led by a PI who is a neural psychologist with deep experience in advanced technology development, behavioral training of animals, and the brain-behavior basis of learning and memory. The Phase I experimental plan is to (a) built and test prototypes, (b) test reliability and system operability in a setting approximating intended use, and (c) conduct experiments with n=3 rats. Phase II will expand upon Phase I by validating a wider variety of MANET devices and tasks with a larger set of animal subjects and species.