二軸フォースプレートを用いたショウジョウバエの足裏反力計測

抄録

This paper describes measuring ground reaction force (GRF) of fruit flies using a biaxial force plate. The proposed sensor has spring structures displacing in x, z axis direction. Using two laser displacement meters, it is possible to measure the GRF of fruit flies in both anterior and vertical directions, which has been difficult due to its small size. By using a glass plate as the material, accurate measurements can be made no matter where the measurement target walks on the plate as well as high sensitivity. The spring constants in x, z axis were approximately 10 N/m, and the force resolutions were less than 1/50 of the target’s weight. Measuring the GRF in the both anterior and vertical directions of a fruit fly showed a constant value, indicating walking stability.