A biomechanical engineer at the University of Maine is working to make the nation’s racetracks safer for the Thoroughbred horses that run on them.

Professor Michael “Mick” Peterson’s tools are radar and a robotic metal hoof that mimics a horse’s impact at 2,000 pounds of force, enabling him to detect subtle variations in both dirt and synthetic racetracks that can lay the groundwork for catastrophic injuries.

By gathering data on the impact and using radar to examine the track’s base layers, Peterson helps track superintendents identify and fix problem areas.

“He’s like a mad scientist. Really, really dedicated,” said Steve Wood, track superintendent at California’s Santa Anita Park. “It’s phenomenal. It’s one of the best things our business has encountered