SpikerBot vs NeuroPhysMatrix

SpikerBot is a neuroscience and robotics learning app from Backyard Brains. Build brain-inspired circuits, connect neurons into behaviors, run simulations, and control a SpikerBot robot when hardware is available. Students can start with bundled example brains, inspect how sensor inputs affect a neural circuit, tune motors, LEDs, speakers, and robot reactions, and save their own designs as shareable .brain files. The Lab Notebook keeps notes and annotations close to each brain so experiments can be revisited, explained, and improved. SpikerBot works as a simulator on its own, so learners and reviewers can explore the core experience without external hardware. When paired with a SpikerBot robot over local Wi-Fi, the same brain designs can drive live robot behavior using distance, camera, microphone, motor, light, and sound signals. Features: - Visual brain-design canvas for neuron and axon networks - Built-in example brains for quick classroom demos - Live simulation mode with sensor and output readouts - Lab Notebook annotations for documenting experiments - Save, import, and share .brain files - Optional local Wi-Fi robot connection for hands-on robotics

NeuroPhysMatrix lets you explore neuronal action potentials, firing characteristics, ion channels, optogenetics, synaptic integration, neural circuits, and axon conduction by changing simulation parameters. An optogenetics simulation has been added to celebrate the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Change stimulus strength and duration, channel conductance, input location, and connection strength to see how membrane voltage and currents respond. SEVEN SIMULATIONS • Action Potential: Relate membrane voltage to Na⁺ and K⁺ currents, channel states, and ion movement. Explore refractoriness with paired stimuli, strength–duration curves, and recovery from Na⁺ inactivation. • Neuronal Firing Characteristics: Compare firing rate, adaptation, delayed firing, and rebound responses in representative neuron models. • Ion Channels: Use current clamp and voltage clamp to explore the relationship between membrane voltage and 14 representative channels and background currents. • Optogenetics: Compare light stimuli, photocurrents and membrane voltage with excitatory and inhibitory opsins, including ChR2, ArchT, eNpHR3.0 and GtACR2. • Synaptic Integration: Compare how input location, number, strength, timing, and dendritic morphology affect voltage responses. • Neural Circuits: Change excitatory and inhibitory connection strengths and transmission delays. Observe interactions through voltage traces and spike rasters. • Axon Conduction: Explore schematic models of myelinated and unmyelinated conduction and the effects of focal demyelination. KEEP RESULTS IN VIEW Change the time-axis range and observation time to connect waveforms with diagrams. Switch between Settings and Guide to review parameter meanings and key points while exploring results. PRO — ONE-TIME PURCHASE • Edit cell count, wiring, and the stimulated cell in neural circuits. • Edit dendritic branches, parent connections, length, and diameter. • Save and load named conditions, including inputs, in all seven workspaces. • Record experiment conditions and key measurements, compare numerical results, and export CSV. • Adjust action-potential conductances and use comparison features. • Hold ion-channel, optogenetic and dendritic waveforms to compare responses before and after changes. • Unlock five specialized neuron presets. Basic simulations, circuit and dendritic morphology presets, basic settings, and guides are free. Four foundational neuron presets are free; five additional presets are included in Pro. Available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac in 10 languages. Waveforms and diagrams are computational models and schematic representations, not exact reproductions of a particular biological cell or patient. This app is not a medical device and is not intended for diagnosis or treatment.