The Mobile HomeCage® integrates stable head fixation with an air-lifted, flat-floored 2D locomotion platform: indispensable for precise imaging and electrophysiological brain recordings in awake, naturally behaving mice.

Unlike traditional head-fixation solutions that restrict movement, the Mobile HomeCage® allows natural, two-dimensional locomotion. Moreover, mice can control their movement, choosing when and where to go—or when to stay still. Researchers can track these movements to gain deeper insights into behavioral patterns.

Key benefits

• Stable head fixation during active locomotion
• No need for general anesthesia at any time during experiments or training
• Natural design: flat floor and walls mimic a familiar homecage habitat and provide natural tactile stimulation, lowering stress and encouraging faster habituation
• Two-dimensional locomotion: mice can choose where to go or map their trajectory in response to stimulation
• Magnets embedded in the cage bottom enable locomotion tracking and reduce rotational inertia
• Seamless integration of brain recordings and behavioral observation via a unique magnetic locomotion-tracking solution (optional), which also facilitates closed-loop experiments
• Compatible with virtual reality (VR) systems
• Compact design: compatible with most commercial microscopes
• Free customer portal access for all lab members, an invaluable resource for video surgery tutorials, mouse handling and training tips, and more.  

  Applications

  • Acute and chronic two-photon imaging (brain and spinal cord)
  • Wide-field imaging
  • Functional ultrasound (fUS) and standard ultrasound imaging
  • Optical Coherent Tomography (OCT)
  • Electrophysiological recordings, including patch-clamp
  • Optogenetic stimulation
  • Pupilometry and pupil tracking
  • Behavioral monitoring integrated with the above techniques

    Compatibility

    The standard-size Mobile HomeCage® is compact and fits with most commercial two-photon microscopes. For specific compatibility information, including air sources and stages, check out our compatibility guide.

    Technical specifications

    • Dimensions: 420 X 300 X 159 mm
    • Unpackaged weight: 5,5 kg / 5,7 kg (with tracking)
    • Materials: aluminum, carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (cages)