Capsules for the Barn and Battlefield: Future Equine and Military Applications

Equine Health

Gastric ulcers affect up to 90 % of racehorses. A ruggedized capsule, paired with a wireless receiver placed on the girth, enables stall-side diagnostics. Targeted omeprazole delivery via drug-eluting capsules is in development.

Military Medicine

The U.S. Army’s Nett Warrior program integrates body-worn sensors with secure Android devices. Incorporating a Bluetooth-enabled capsule allows:

• Field triage of internal bleeding within 30 min of ingestion.
• Data relay to forward surgical teams via encrypted channels.
• Remote AI analysis for rapid decision support.

Technical Innovations

• Extended battery life (24 h) for austere environments.
• On-board photoplethysmography to detect hemodynamic changes.
• IP-67 casing for dust and water resistance.

Key Takeaways

• Smart capsules promise earlier intervention for warfighters and high-value animals.
• Cross-sector R&D accelerates innovations that benefit human healthcare.
• Partnerships with defense agencies unlock non-dilutive funding opportunities.

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