Researchers at the University of Richmond in Virginia have discovered that rats can be trained to drive miniature cars and they seem to enjoy the experience.
The study, led by Professor Kelly Lambert, found that mice can not only learn to operate small vehicles, but also show signs of excitement and anticipation when given the opportunity to drive.
In the initial 2019 study, rats were taught to steer a car made from a plastic grain container by grasping wires that propel the car forward. The rodents quickly mastered this skill, steering with surprising precision to reach a piece of Froot Loop cereal as their reward.
Based on these findings, the researchers developed improved “rat-powered vehicles” equipped with rat-proof wires, sturdy tires, and ergonomic steering levers. They observed that the mice showed extreme stimulation during the training sessions, often jumping into the car and starting the driving mechanism before the car even started moving.
Professor Lambert noted that the mice trained to drive impatiently approached the side of their cage during testing times, similar to a dog’s reaction when anticipating a walk. This behavior led the team to question whether the mice were motivated solely by the food reward or whether they found the driving experience itself rewarding.
To investigate further, the researchers offered the rats a choice: They could either take a short, direct route on foot to get the reward or drive a longer route, delaying their reward. Surprisingly, two of the three mice chose to drive, suggesting that they derived pleasure from both the journey and the destination.
Physical signs of positive anticipation were also observed. One rat held its tail upright with a bend at the end, resembling an old-fashioned umbrella handle — a position associated with the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with motivation and reward.
Professor Lambert concluded that these findings highlight the importance of stimulating environments and new experiences for cognitive development. “Anticipation of positive experiences helps drive perseverance to continue seeking life’s rewards,” she said. “Planning, anticipating, and enjoying the journey may be the key to a healthy mind.”