ArUco Markers

ArUco (“Augmented Reality University of Cordoba”) Markers were developed by Thomas Smith and Trevor Smith in a joint effort with collaborators from the University of Texas at Dallas, West Virginia University, and Case Western Reserve University. These markers provide an automated method for scoring animal behavior, specifically in a go/no-go task. This reduces the dependence on video methods for behavioral scoring, which can be time consuming and prone to user bias.

The ArUco marker can be mounted to an animal’s head, and fits onto an animals headcap while they are tethered. Then, the system monitors behavioral engagement using open-source software. 3D design files and necessary software has been made available, as well as code that can be used for data analysis. When validated against video data, ArUco markers were shown to have 98% accuracy when classifying behavioral engagement versus distraction. An additional benefit to this system is the ability to determine the optimal length of behavioral testing. Through classifying behavioral engagement, the group determined that animals become disengaged in a go/no-go task around ~75 minutes.  ArUco markers provide a simple and automated solution for behavioral scoring, with the added benefit of finding optimal testing durations.

This research tool was created by your colleagues. Please acknowledge the Principal Investigator and cite the article in which the tool was described, and include an RRID in the Materials and Methods of your future publications. RRID: SCR_SCR_026572