In an era where wearable technology significantly impacts human health, the horse care industry witnesses a new entrant, Horsano. Developed by a team led by Adam Siedlaczek, this wearable technology aims to monitor the health of horses persistently. Inspired by Siedlaczek’s experience with equine colic, the wearable is designed to detect health issues early. The device uses cutting-edge technology to gauge a horse’s vital signs, offering a comprehensive look at equine wellness. These continuous insights could be pivotal in addressing undetected ailments, reflecting an adaptation of human health tech for animal welfare.
In 2021, Horsano participated in the EIT Digital Venture Incubation program, marking its entry into the tech incubator landscape. Previous developments in similar domains often involved limited technology, mainly confined to existing devices that required substantial modification for equine needs. However, Horsano overcame these hurdles by developing proprietary sensors for precise monitoring, showcasing significant strides in enhancing equine health tracking compared to earlier, less sophisticated attempts.
How Does Horsano Function as a Horse’s Personal Health Assistant?
Horsano monitors heart rate, respiration rate, and movement, among other parameters, intelligently using AI to interpret the gathered data. It analyzes these metrics against standard ranges to provide insights on health conditions, such as colic and respiratory issues. The continuous monitoring offers actionable data, suggesting possible interventions before the conditions become critical.
What Makes Horsano’s Wearable Technology Unique?
The team spent four years in R&D to develop the sensor-embedded belts and vests, overcoming the challenges of adapting human wearable technology. Serej recognized the necessity, stating,
“We knew it would be a long, difficult road, but it was necessary. Human devices don’t translate easily to horses.”
The bespoke design allows the device to read vital signs through a horse’s fur without additional adaptation requirements like shaving.
Horsano’s tracking includes posture and environmental conditions, providing a broad spectrum of data. The wearable, with its rechargeable battery lasting up to a week, ensures seamless integration into a horse’s daily routine. This frequent data collection identifies patterns and potential issues missed by periodic manual checks, an advantage highlighted by Siedlaczek,
“Heart and respiration rates change significantly between day and night—something veterinarians couldn’t capture with only daily manual tests.”
Feedback from veterinary professionals varies, with some expressing interest in client use rather than direct application in their clinics. Yet, many recognize the value in cost reduction through richer data acquisition. This broad spectrum of opinions signifies the evolving perception towards digitized horse care.
Looking ahead, Horsano is gearing up for expansion, targeting European markets like Germany and France. Fundraising efforts aim to support this move, aiding in certification needs and broader market adaptations. With the advent of digital-savvy horse owners, the sector anticipates a shift towards more data-driven equine care methodologies.
Understanding the intricacies of equine health via constant monitoring reflects a forward-thinking approach in animal care. Horsano presents a tangible solution to the challenge of timely ailment detection, pushing towards wider acceptance and adaptation within the equine industry. The technological advancement not only enhances horse welfare but also signifies a bridging of digital capabilities across different life forms. For horse owners and veterinarians, devices like Horsano potentially signify a transition towards informed animal health management.
