TY - JOUR TI - Robotic multi-probe single-actuator inchworm neural microdrive AU - Smith, Richard D AU - Kolb, Ilya AU - Tanaka, Shinsuke AU - Lee, Albert K AU - Harris, Timothy D AU - Barbic, Mladen A2 - Kemere, Caleb A2 - Colgin, Laura L A2 - Kemere, Caleb VL - 11 PY - 2022 DA - 2022/11/10 SP - e71876 C1 - eLife 2022;11:e71876 DO - 10.7554/eLife.71876 UR - https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.71876 AB - A wide range of techniques in neuroscience involve placing individual probes at precise locations in the brain. However, large-scale measurement and manipulation of the brain using such methods have been severely limited by the inability to miniaturize systems for probe positioning. Here, we present a fundamentally new, remote-controlled micropositioning approach composed of novel phase-change material-filled resistive heater micro-grippers arranged in an inchworm motor configuration. The microscopic dimensions, stability, gentle gripping action, individual electronic control, and high packing density of the grippers allow micrometer-precision independent positioning of many arbitrarily shaped probes using a single piezo actuator. This multi-probe single-actuator design significantly reduces the size and weight and allows for potential automation of microdrives. We demonstrate accurate placement of multiple electrodes into the rat hippocampus in vivo in acute and chronic preparations. Our robotic microdrive technology should therefore enable the scaling up of many types of multi-probe applications in neuroscience and other fields. KW - microdrive KW - neural implants KW - automation KW - robotics KW - motorized JF - eLife SN - 2050-084X PB - eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd ER -