A Graded Speed Control Method for Cyborg Rats Based on Electrical Stimulation of the Cuneiform Nucleus

The precise movement speed regulation is a key factor to improve the control effect and efficiency of the cyborg rats. However, the current stimulation techniques cannot realize the graded control of the speed. In this study, we achieved the multi-level speed regulation of cyborg rats in the large open field and treadmill by specifically targeting the Cuneiform Nucleus (CnF) of the Mesencephalic Locomotor Region (MLR). Detailed, we measured the influence of each stimulation parameter on the speed control process which included the real-time speed, accelerated speed, response time, and acceleration period. We concluded that the pulse period and the pulse width were the main determinants influencing the accelerated speed of cyborg rats. Whereas the amplitude of stimulation was found to affect the response time exhibited by the cyborg rats. Our study provides valuable insights into the regulation of rat locomotion speed and highlights the potential for utilizing this approach in various experimental settings.