EthoVR

A verseratile Unity-based virtual reality system for neurophysiology and behavior experiments

Building on the Unity game engine, we developed a novel, versatile virtual reality (VR) system. We developed packages that extend Unity functionality in a modular manner to accommodate specialized needs for animal VR. These packages are published as part of the Janelia Unity Toolkit, and allow precise control of frame rate, setup of a panoramic display, a connection with FicTrac via socket connection, custom collision handling, data logging and more.

We also provide detailed documentation on how to set up the full system including hardware and software on the ethoVR website. Here we provide details about the construction of a panoramic screen and fly holders, as well as information regarding projector choices and modifications.

• EthoVR
• Janelia Unity Toolkit
• Our paper

We continue to develop ethoVR and keep expanding it's functionality. To date at least five labs are using this software and hardware we developped. If you use ethoVR, please reference the following manuscript:

Maintaining a stable head direction representation in naturalistic visual environments
Haberkern H, Chitnis SS, Hubbard PM, Goulet T, Hermundstad AM, Jayaraman V (2022).
bioRxiv, 2022.05. 17.492284