the ShapeTape will allow modelling of complex structures in three dimensions--how cool. And how useful.

I ride horses fairly seriously. The topic of fitting the saddle to the dynamic shape of the horse's back is a constant in equestrian circles. About 10 years ago, this fellow Robert Ferrand patented a saddlepad housing a series of pressure-sensors. The first iterations were pretty bizarre--when you are riding you aren't usually attached to a computer by squillions of wires.

I believe (although I haven't seen a recent demo) that the pad is now wireless.


this site gives a brief explanation of the technology
horse.http://shopping.netledger.com/app/site/sit...sc.7/category.11/.f

This is an article from inc magazine awarding Ferrand the "killer app" award for 2002.
http://www.inc.com/magazine/20021201/24884.html