Abstract
Preclinical research involving animal models of stress exposure typically rely on traditional manual protocols, which are laborious and time-consuming and may compromise reproducibility and the effective translation of findings into clinical applications. StressMatic is an automated stress exposure system (auCMS), designed to improve the standardization and reproducibility of stress-induction methodologies. The auCMS demonstrated consistent efficacy, with animals subjected to automated stressors displaying similar responses to those exposed to conventional manual methods, thus confirming its validity as a reliable tool. While some stressors still require human involvement, the automation of key processes has markedly enhanced efficiency and minimized operational time. This innovative approach reduces the introduction of human error, increases precision, and standardizes experimental workflows, resulting in a more robust preclinical research platform. By streamlining repetitive tasks, the auCMS promotes adaptability in experimental design, particularly in the study of mood disorders. Ultimately, this automated protocol not only enhances the reliability of pharmaceutical screening processes but also strengthens the drug discovery pipeline, facilitating deeper insights into behavioral outcomes and informing therapeutic strategies.