The goal is to evaluate the feasibility of developing a laser system (LiDAR) to objectify dressage scores given by judges during competitions.
The equestrian sports industry is in need of an objective way to analyze performance of horse and rider. Most important aspects are conserving the durability and the credibility of the sport. These factors mostly have to do with horse welfare, the view of society, and the fact that (the dressage discipline) is a jury sport. Our goal is to combine our knowledge of biomechanics with technology to develop a system to objectively measure performance.
There is a lack of sound fundamental research in the equestrian sports. That is why a large part of this project will be to provide insight into what factors we must look at. We need to know the level of detail required to make a proper distinction between jury scores. We will research which indicators are important in what detail they must be visible for the system. These scientific indicators will give rise to the technical functional requirements for the system.
The system itself will be based on artificial intelligence which we can 'train' to pick up on these distinctions and learn from its data. We will make use of the LiDAR laser system, which is used in autonomous cars. Our research will be based on the ability of the system to measure an Olympic dressage test, meaning it must be able to view a full 20×60 arena with a specified frame rate to be able to capture all essential movements.
We believe that by making the equestrian sport more understandable and insightful, we will provide transparency to the rest of society. In this way we not only fulfill our goal of providing technological innovations, but we also help to increase the durability and credibility of our beautiful sport.
