Polisilk has concluded the Sensing Horse project after 6-months of joint development together with Sensing Tex, which resulted in a fully functional prototype of a smart textile pad, enhancing horseback riding and horse welfare with a focus on data security, advanced textiles, and seamless cloud integration. The project was made possible thanks to the financial and technical support from EuroBoosTex, a Eurocluster project funded by the European Commission aiming to make European textile value chains more resilient.
The collaboration between Polisilk and Sensing Tex resulted in a smart horse pad that improves equine care by providing real-time data on movement and posture. With the support of EuroBoosTEX, this market-ready product is now setting a new standard in the equestrian industry, highlighting the value of advanced technology and animal welfare.
The Sensing Horse project innovation allows for real-time detection and management of issues affecting horse welfare, thereby improving overall care and training outcomes.
The ability to identify problematic areas on the horse’s back and monitor its movements has led to more informed and timely interventions, enhancing both the horse’s health and performance.
The Sensing Horse pad delivers live data during equestrian activities, thanks to its integration with sophisticated sensors and cloud-based analytics.
This feature enables trainers and riders to receive instant feedback on the horse’s condition and performance, allowing for immediate adjustments and optimization of training practices. The real-time insights have proven crucial in enhancing training effectiveness, reducing injury risks, and increasing rider satisfaction.
The project successfully overcame several technical challenges, including improving the mechanical durability of the pad for rigorous equestrian use, integrating the latest IoT SoC chip models, and ensuring stable and secure cloud connectivity.
Polisilk and Sensing Tex, as a member of Tèxtils.CAT, received valuable support that was key in the implementation and further success of the project.
The cluster, with know-how in the advanced textile materials sector and with expertise in strategic re-orientation within this field, will continue collaborating with Polisilk and Sensing Tex towards novel developments and further scaling-up.
A promotional video has been produced to showcase the SensingHorse added-value.
