Recently, Striatech visited the University of Tartu, where our founder Dr. Thomas Münch conducted a live OptoDrum demo for Professor Mario Plaas and his research group. The session provided an in‑depth look at automated vision testing in a real laboratory environment and offered plenty of opportunity for discussion and hands‑on experience.

Professor Plaas’s group is well known for its work on preclinical Wolfram syndrome type 1 (WS1), where reliable and objective assessment of visual function is essential. This made the University of Tartu an ideal setting to demonstrate how the OptoDrum supports standardized and reproducible vision testing in animal models.

What Striatech Live Demos Are About

Striatech offers on‑site OptoDrum demos to research groups who want to explore automated vision testing directly in their own laboratory environment. Rather than relying on abstract descriptions or predefined scenarios, the demos are designed as an open scientific exchange, allowing researchers to evaluate the system in the context of their own experimental workflows.

Live demos are free of charge; laboratories only cover the shipping costs.

Depending on the interests and experience of the host lab, each demo is individually adapted and typically includes:

• a structured introduction to the OptoDrum system
• a walkthrough of the software and experimental setup
• hands‑on training with the device
• time for methodological questions and in‑depth discussion

Understanding the OptoDrum: Theoretical Background from the Demo at the University of Tartu

The theoretical part of the demo at the University of Tartu provided an overview of the OptoDrum’s core principles and experimental methodology. Thomas explained how the system assesses optomotor responses in rodents and how automated, objective “yes/no” decisions are generated in real time during experiments, removing the need for manual scoring.

A central focus was the staircase method, which adapts stimulus parameters based on the animal’s responses. This adaptive approach increases experimental efficiency while maintaining objectivity and is well suited for determining visual thresholds.

The discussion also covered key experimental settings that link the animal behavior to the analysis outcome. Together, these parameters allow flexible experimental design within a standardized framework. By linking the theoretical concepts directly to ongoing research questions, this part of the demo encouraged active discussion and methodological exchange by linking theory directly to ongoing research projects.

Experiencing the OptoDrum: Hands‑On Training During the Demo at the University of Tartu

Following the theoretical introduction, the demo transitioned into the hands‑on phase. Under typical conditions, the OptoDrum can be fully set up in the host laboratory, allowing experiments to be carried out together with lab members.

During the on‑site demo, particular attention was given to rat models, where the new Non-Aversive Animal Platform proved to be a valuable addition. The platform enabled calm and stable handling of the animals and supported the acquisition of consistent, high‑quality data.

Hands‑on training typically lasts one to two hours, with additional time available for extended testing or discussion. In many cases, research groups continue testing independently after the demo, supported by follow‑up discussions as needed.

Professor Mario Plaas summarized the experience as follows:

“The OptoDrum is incredibly easy to use and delivers objective results right away. The new Non-Aversive Animal Platform was a great addition, especially for our rat models, allowing calm handling and reliable data. Thomas and the demo were absolutely convincing.”

We would like to thank Professor Plaas and his entire team for hosting Striatech, for the open scientific exchange, and for the collaborative atmosphere throughout the demo. It was a pleasure to introduce the OptoDrum in such an engaged and research‑driven environment.

Interested in an OptoDrum Live Demo?

Research groups interested in automated, objective vision testing are invited to host their own on‑site OptoDrum demo. Each session is adapted to the specific needs of the lab and provides hands‑on insight into experimental design, system usage, and data generation.

Research groups interested in an on‑site OptoDrum demo are encouraged to contact us to discuss a potential demo and its suitability.