A team of engineering students have developed a smart numnah with their company Equilyze — an innovative product designed to improve rider symmetry, horse health, and performance through cutting-edge sensor technology.

The system consists of a sensor sheet embedded with a matrix of pressure sensors placed under the saddle to monitor the rider’s balance and posture. By tracking pressure distribution along the horse’s spine and shoulder blades, the system provides real-time feedback, helping riders maintain better posture and prevent injury to both horse and rider.

The team developed their idea during the ELE3044 MEng Engineering Entrepreneurship module. The module encourages the application of theoretical knowledge in practical settings, blending coursework with hands-on experience. This project exemplifies how academic pursuits can lead to real-world innovation.

One of the biggest challenges the team faced was designing sensors flexible enough to mold to the horse’s back while remaining durable. The students combined expertise in software, electronics, and material science to create custom sensors from scratch — a process that involved countless hours of experimentation.

Alongside hardware development, the team built a companion mobile app to display live pressure data, giving riders instant insight into their balance. The app’s seamless integration with the sensors marks a major achievement for the student group.

Equilyze has already gained recognition, winning the What's the Big Idea competition in December and securing a place in upcoming competitions like QUB Dragons' Den and Catalyst Quest. The team is now working on Version 2 of the prototype.

The students are actively seeking collaborators in graphic design, textiles, and business development. 

The Equilyze team's impressive work in engineering entrepreneurship has equipped them to tackle future challenges with confidence. The School of EEECS looks forward to seeing where their skills and innovation will take them. Well done!