Russians to Saddle Up a Robotic Horse
Biomechanical model helps riders practice core skills in a safe environment.
An interactive horseback riding simulator based on a biomechanical horse model and artificial intelligence has been developed by the EquiTech team led by mechanical engineer Vadim Ustinov, winner of the “Novator Moskvy – 2025” mayoral innovation award.
The system is built around a digital twin of a horse. The virtual replica reproduces the movements of a live animal – walk, trot, gallop and transitions between gaits. The platform analyzes the rider’s posture in real time and provides feedback. The technology adapts to each student’s level of training and is especially useful for beginners, helping them develop fundamental skills in a controlled setting.
Safe and Realistic
According to project lead Vadim Ustinov, the simulator is designed to lower the entry barrier to equestrian sports and make initial lessons safer, particularly for children.
Although the intelligent trainer is primarily intended for educational and training programs, it could also be used for rehabilitation as well as for VR applications and gaming simulators. There are currently no comparable technologies in Russia.
Biomorphic robots are not uncommon in Russia. Previously, robotic dogs were deployed on railways, equipped with cameras and lidar systems that transmit real-time data about their surroundings. The robots inspect hard-to-reach infrastructure and carry out diagnostics of the lower sections of rolling stock.
