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StereoAim ST4000
The StereoAim ST4000 is a semi-automated robotic stereotaxic platform from PopNeuron built around a hexapod core, delivering automated 3D skull flat, six-axis positioning, and a cloud-based brain atlas system. It eliminates the manual iteration and operator dependency of conventional stereotaxic devices while creating wide-open above-animal workspace for imaging equipment.
What is the StereoAim ST4000?
The StereoAim ST4000 by PopNeuron is a semi-automated stereotaxic platform built around a hexapod (Stewart platform) core, designed to overcome the fundamental limitations of traditional manual stereotaxic devices. By combining 3D computer vision, robotic automation, and a cloud-based brain atlas system, the ST4000 delivers unprecedented accuracy, reproducibility, and speed in neurosurgical targeting for small animal research.
Automated Skull Flat
The ST4000 performs automated skull flattening using a 3D reconstruction algorithm. Using a free companion smartphone app (iOS and Android), the investigator photographs the animal's skull from multiple angles. Images are automatically uploaded to the PC software, which reconstructs the 3D skull surface and computes skull-flat alignment—executing hexapod movements automatically within seconds. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on measuring 1–2 landmarks manually, the ST4000 analyzes hundreds of skull landmarks simultaneously, dramatically improving accuracy and repeatability across labs and operators.
Hexapod Platform Design
The hexapod architecture places all electronic and mechanical components beneath the animal, making the skull the highest point in the setup. This frees a large volume of space above the animal for bulky equipment such as calcium imaging setups, multiphoton microscopes, or fiber photometry systems. The heated top plate accommodates ear bars, bite bars, and head posts for maximum compatibility with existing surgical protocols.
Key Features
- Automated Skull Flat: 3D algorithm analyzes hundreds of landmarks; hexapod moves the animal into skull-flat position automatically in seconds—no manual iteration required.
- 6-Axis Hexapod Core: Full X, Y, Z and pitch, roll, yaw control (±15 mm / ±15°) with 0.25 mm/0.25° repeatability.
- Smartphone Companion App: Free iOS and Android app wirelessly uploads skull images for 3D reconstruction directly to the PC software.
- Open Cloud Brain Atlas: Supports custom atlas systems for any species, strain, or age group—community-sharable for maximum reproducibility.
- Heated Top Plate: Integrated heating ensures animal welfare during extended surgical procedures.
- Wide-Open Above-Animal Workspace: Hexapod design keeps all electronics below the animal, leaving full clearance for heavy imaging equipment.
Applications
- In vivo electrode and optical fiber implantation in mice and rats
- Stereotaxic viral vector (AAV) injection into deep brain targets
- Cannula and probe implantation for freely-moving recording studies
- Multi-photon and calcium imaging setups requiring above-animal clearance
- Any neurosurgical procedure requiring precise, reproducible skull-flat alignment
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Technical Specifications
| Model | StereoAim ST4000 |
| Platform Type | Hexapod (Stewart Platform) |
| Dimensions | W16 × L16 × H28 cm |
| Travel Range (X, Y, Z) | ±15 mm each axis |
| Rotation Range (Pitch, Yaw, Roll) | ±15° each axis |
| Max Velocity (Linear) | 10 mm/s |
| Max Angular Velocity | 10°/s |
| Unidirectional Repeatability (Linear) | 0.25 mm |
| Unidirectional Repeatability (Angular) | 0.25° |
| Maximum Load Capacity | 8 lb (3.62 kg) |
| Material | Anodized Aluminum |
| Color | Anodized Black |
| Operating Temperature | 10°C to 50°C |
| Skull Flat Method | Automated 3D reconstruction, hundreds of landmarks |
| Companion App Platforms | iOS and Android (free download) |
| Atlas System | Cloud-based, open platform, customizable for any species/strain/age |
In Vivo Recording
Explore All ProductsMicro-Surgery
Explore All ProductsStereoAim ST4000 Publications
The StereoAim ST4000 was developed from NIH-funded research at the University of Colorado School of Medicine combining hexapod robotics, 3D computer vision, and automated skull-flat algorithms for neurosurgical targeting in small animals.
What is the StereoAim ST4000 and how does it differ from conventional stereotaxic devices?
The StereoAim ST4000 is a semi-automated robotic stereotaxic platform built on a hexapod (Stewart platform) core, designed for small animal neuroscience research. Unlike conventional devices that rely on manual landmark measurements and iterative adjustments, the ST4000 uses 3D skull reconstruction fed by smartphone photographs to automatically execute skull flat in seconds, dramatically reducing anesthesia time, operator variability, and experiment failure rates.
How does the automated skull flat feature work?
The investigator takes 10–20 images of the anesthetized animal's skull using the free companion smartphone app (iOS and Android). These images upload wirelessly to the PC software, which reconstructs the skull surface in 3D from hundreds of landmark points. The algorithm calculates the precise hexapod movements needed to achieve skull flat and executes them automatically—no manual measurement or adjustment required.
What equipment can be mounted above the animal on the ST4000?
Because the hexapod places all electronics and mechanics beneath the animal, the skull is the highest point in the setup. This creates extensive clearance above the animal for bulky equipment such as two-photon microscopes, calcium imaging systems, fiber photometry setups, or any other instrumentation difficult to accommodate with conventional frame-based stereotaxic devices.
What brain atlas systems does the ST4000 support?
The ST4000 integrates with a cloud-based, open brain atlas platform supporting custom atlas systems for any species, strain, or age group. Labs can create, share, and download atlas systems through the platform, enabling reproducibility across different research groups and accommodating non-standard model organisms or developmental age groups.
Is the StereoAim ST4000 available in Israel with local support?
Yes. NBT Ltd is the authorized distributor of POPneuron products in Israel, including the StereoAim ST4000. Our team provides local demonstrations, installation support, training, and ongoing technical assistance in Hebrew or English.
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