IPB University Launches IPBHalter, AI and IoT-Based Horse Health Monitoring Tool

IPB University announced the launch of IPBHalter, an innovative solution in horse health monitoring designed to revolutionise horse health management through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things (IoT) technology. The launch of the IPBHalter device was conducted during the IPB Innovation Launching event in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Monday (30/9) at the IPB International Convention Centre (IICC), Bogor.

Developed by a team of researchers from IPB University and PT Bio Farma, IPBHalter is here to reduce horse mortality, particularly due to colic – one of the most common and deadly equine health problems.

Colic is one of the leading causes of death in horses, contributing an average of 30,13 per cent of horse deaths per year. 2019 recorded the highest horse mortality rate due to colic, reaching 44 per cent, while in 2021 it was 35 per cent. On average, seven horses experience colic each year, but the cure rate is only 15,38 per cent.

“By addressing this problem, in addition to improving horse welfare, it can also provide significant economic benefits, with potential savings reaching Rp351.400.000 per year through preventing the death of an average of six horses each year,” said the head of the research team, Dr Sony Hartono Wijaya.

IPBHalter: Utilisation of AIoT Technology for Horse Health

Dr Sony explained that IPBHalter is an advanced health monitoring device designed to track biometric data and horse behaviour in real-time. This technology consists of two main IoT nodes, namely IoT Node Halter and IoT Node Room.

The IoT Node Halter is a device that is attached to the horse (a reins on the horse’s head) to continuously measure and monitor the horse’s vital signs such as body temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. As for 

IoT Node Room is a monitoring unit for stable environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, air quality (measuring CO, NO2, NH3 gas), and light intensity.

“These two nodes work in synergy by recording and transmitting real-time data to a cloud-based platform, which forms an integrated horse health monitoring ecosystem,” he explained. 

The system uses AI and machine learning algorithms to classify horse health conditions and detect early signs of health problems such as colic. The technology supports early diagnosis and provides instant notifications for quick action, enabling more effective handling in emergency situations.

Comprehensive Multi-Platform Support

IPBHalter is powered by desktop, web and mobile-based applications, allowing users to monitor health data and get early alerts at any time. The system is equipped with an application programming interface (API) that supports integration with other digital solutions, ensuring seamless functionality across multiple environments.

With the use of AI, Dr Sony said, IPBHalter can analyse the body position and behaviour of horses in real-time, offering a holistic approach to equine health management. This real-time surveillance capability, coupled with predictive analytics, makes IPBHalter a revolutionary tool in reducing mortality and improving overall horse health.

IPBHalter Development Team

IPBHalter is the result of collaboration from various experts in the field. In full, the research team is led by Dr Sony Hartono Wijaya, involving experts at IPB University such as drh Budhy Jasa Widyananta, MSi, Prof Nahrowi, Auriza Rahmad Akbar, MKom, Prof Asep Sudarman, Dean Apriana Ramadhan, MKom, Prof Anang Kurnia, Agus Mulyana, MT, Dr drh Amrozi, and Ali Khumaidi, MKom. 

In addition, experts from PT Bio Farma were also involved during the research process, including Rahmat Hariyanto, MT and Dr Hirawan Setiadi. Their expertise in the fields of computer science, veterinary medicine, IoT, and AI has led to this remarkable innovation. The research conducted received financial support from the Education Fund Management Agency (LPDP) Productive Innovative Research (Rispro) Invitation.

A Better Future for Horse Health

Dr Sony considers the launch of IPBHalter an important milestone in IPB University and PT Bio Farma’s efforts to lead technological advances in agriculture and veterinary science. 

“By introducing AIoT-based solutions such as IPBHalter, IPB University is at the forefront of improving animal welfare and providing significant economic benefits to horse owners and the equestrian community at large,” he said. (*/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)