Automation of the free-exploratory paradigm

► Automation of the free-exploratory paradigm using a commercially available video-tracking system. ► Tracking under infra-red light conditions is made possible through the use of zeolites as the bedding material. ► Reliability of the automated system for the evaluated parameters (“percentage of time in the novel side” and “total units visited”) is very high. ► Developed methods are useful for other difficult to automate behavioural tests.