novel pressure measurement systems
Original aircraft cabin photo showing three seats beside the windows, with pliance sensor mats on the cushions and backrest
Laptop displaying novel studio seating pressure maps and measurement curves

Surface pressure mapping

Pressure mapping
on any surface.

Flexible, elastic matrix sensors for pressure distribution between hard, soft and curved surfaces.

Request a quote

Pressure mapping on any surface with pliance

Measure. Understand. Make a difference.

What is pliance?

A pressure mapping platform for complex interfaces.

pliance systems measure pressure distribution where a flat foot platform or in-shoe insole is not the right shape. Flexible sensor mats can be adapted for seats, backrests, prosthetic sockets, beds, saddles, gloves, helmets, headsets and industrial products.

The analyser technology supports individual calibration curves, dynamic amplification control and crosstalk suppression so pressure values remain accurate and reproducible across the sensor matrix.

Flexible pliance pressure sensor mat with plidar analyser

System options

Flexible sensors with calibrated matrix electronics.

Conforms to 3D surfaces

Elastic sensor construction helps the mat follow soft or curved contact surfaces.

Configurable sensor layouts

Different shapes, sizes, resolutions and pressure ranges can be selected for the application.

Multiple communication paths

Systems can communicate by Bluetooth, WiFi through plidar electronics, USB or SD-card workflows.

Calibration workflow

trublu calibration verifies sensor quality using homogeneous pressure and individual calibration curves.

pliance analyser options
Specification pliance xf-16pliance xf-32pliance medical
Sensor capacity 256 sensors1,024 sensors256 or 1,024 sensors
Scanning rate 20,000 sensors/second20,000 sensors/second20,000 sensors/second
Dimensions 150 x 100 x 40 mm150 x 100 x 40 mm150 x 100 x 40 mm
Power supply NiMH batteryNiMH batteryNiMH battery
Certification Application dependentApplication dependentCE certified under 93/42/EEC
Interface Bluetooth, WiFi, USB or SD cardBluetooth, WiFi, USB or SD cardBluetooth, WiFi, USB or SD card

Applications

Pressure mapping between nearly any two surfaces.

pliance is often chosen for application-specific mats where the measurement surface is large, soft, curved or moving.

pliance applications: saddle fitting, prosthetic sockets, glove pressure measurement, helmets, wheelchairs, sport, bike fitting, aircraft seating, car seats, motorcycles, vehicle development and mattresses

Wheelchair and seating

Assess localized seated pressure while choosing cushions, adjusting wheelchairs or comparing support surfaces.

Prosthetic sockets

Measure interface pressure between residual limb and socket to inform fit and modification decisions.

Automotive interiors

Map seat, backrest, headrest, pedal and contact pressure for comfort and ergonomic validation.

Saddle and horse

Measure pressure between the saddle and the horse's back during standing and movement. Compare saddles, pads and fitting adjustments to identify localized loading and left-right differences.

Sport

Measure contact pressure where the body meets sports equipment. Compare grips, protective gear and support surfaces during movement to evaluate equipment fit, technique and load distribution.

Bike fitting

Map pressure on the bicycle saddle while the rider pedals. Compare saddle shape, position and riding posture to guide fit adjustments and assess how load shifts across contact areas.

pliance glove

Measure contact pressure across the palm and the inner surfaces of the fingers while gripping, holding or manipulating objects. Flexible sensors reveal how individual hand regions share the load during work, sport and hand-function assessment.

Helmet

Measure pressure between the head and helmet padding. Identify concentrated contact areas and compare lining materials, padding layouts and fit adjustments for comfort and product development.

Mattress

Map body pressure on a mattress in different lying positions and during turning. Compare mattress materials and support configurations to assess contact area, load distribution and localized pressure peaks.

Research context

pliance appears across medical, ergonomic and industrial research.

novel's publication index includes pliance studies in wheelchair and body pressure, laryngoscopy ergonomics, sensor quality, equine pressure, seating and human-product contact applications.

Body pressure

Seating and support surfaces

Pressure maps can reveal localized load concentration that total force alone would hide.

Interface quality

Sensor and surface effects

Calibration, geometry and surface compliance are central to interpretable contact-pressure measurement.

Product development

Comfort and ergonomics

Design teams can compare pressure distribution before and after material, geometry or support changes.

pliance publications

2010–201513 journal articles
  1. Intubation Biomechanics: Laryngoscope Force and Cervical Spine Motion during Intubation in Cadavers—Cadavers vs. Patients, the Effect of Repeated Intubations, and the Effect of Type II Odontoid Fracture on C1-C2 Motion Hindman BJ et al.. 2015 · Anesthesiology 123(5):1042–1058
  2. Intubation biomechanics: Laryngoscope force and cervical spine motion during intubation with Macintosh and Airtraq laryngoscopes Hindman BJ; Santoni BG; Puttlitz CM; From RP; Todd MM. 2014 · Anesthesiology 121:260–271
  3. Dynamic pressure effect on horse and horse rider during riding Nicol G; Arnold GP; Wang W; Abboud RJ. 2014 · Sports Engineering 17:143–150
  4. A novel approach to mapping load transfer from the plantar surface of the foot to the walls of the total contact cast: a proof of concept study Begg L; McLaughlin P; Manning L; Vicaretti M; Fletcher J; Burns J. 2012 · Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 5:32
  5. Comparison of pressure distribution under a conventional saddle and a treeless saddle at sitting trot Belock B; Kaiser LJ; Lavagnino M; Clayton HM. 2012 · The Veterinary Journal 193(1):87–91 Journal issue 2012; first online 2011.
  6. Hand pressure distribution during Oldowan stone tool production Williams EM; Gordon AD; Richmond BG. 2012 · Journal of Human Evolution 62(4):520–532
  7. Center-of-Pressure Movements During Equine-Assisted Activities Clayton HM; Kaiser LJ; de Pue B; Kaiser L. 2011 · American Journal of Occupational Therapy 65(2):211–216
  8. The effects of different saddle pads on forces and pressure distribution beneath a fitting saddle Kotschwar AB; Baltacis A; Peham C. 2010 · Equine Veterinary Journal 42:114–118 2010 journal issue; DOI contains a 2009 publisher identifier.
  9. Effect of different pressure magnitudes on hypertrophic scar in a Chinese population Lai Hoi Yan Candy; Li-Tsang Wai Ping Cecilia; Zheng Yong Ping. 2010 · Burns 36(8):1234–1241
  10. Correction versus bedding: wheelchair pressure distribution measurements in children with cerebral palsy Lampe R; Mitternacht J. 2010 · Journal of Children's Orthopaedics 4(4):291–300
  11. Saddle pressure patterns of three different training saddles (normal tree, flexible tree, treeless) in Thoroughbred racehorses at trot and gallop Latif SN; von Peinen K; Wiestner T; Bitschnau C; Renk B; Weishaupt MA. 2010 · Equine Veterinary Journal 42(Suppl. 38):630–636 Journal article; similarly titled dissertation not counted separately.
  12. Intraoperative Pedographie [Intraoperative pedography] Richter M. 2010 · Operative Orthopädie und Traumatologie 22(1):44–51 German-language procedural article; retained because actual clinical use is described.
  13. Relationship between saddle pressure measurements and clinical signs of saddle soreness at the withers von Peinen K; Wiestner T; von Rechenberg B; Weishaupt MA. 2010 · Equine Veterinary Journal 42(Suppl. 38):650–653
2016–202130 journal articles
  1. A Systematic Approach to Comparing Thermal Activity of the Thoracic Region and Saddle Pressure Distribution beneath the Saddle in a Group of Non-Lame Sports Horses MacKechnie-Guire R; Fisher M; Mathie H; Kuczynska K; Fairfax V; Fisher D; Pfau T. 2021 · Animals 11(4):1105 Published 13 April 2021.
  2. Effect of a Half Pad on Pressure Distribution in Sitting Trot and Canter Beneath a Saddle Fitted to Industry Guidelines MacKechnie-Guire R; Fisher M; Pfau T. 2021 · Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 96:103307 2021 journal issue; online in 2020.
  3. Textile-based Pressure Sensors for Monitoring Prosthetic-Socket Interfaces Tabor J; Agcayazi T; Fleming A; Thompson B; Kapoor A; Liu M; Lee MY; Huang H; Bozkurt A; Ghosh TK. 2021 · IEEE Sensors Journal 21(7):9413–9422
  4. Kinetics of stone tool production among novice and expert tool makers Williams-Hatala EM et al.. 2021 · American Journal of Physical Anthropology 174(4):714–727 Journal issue 2021; first online 27 October 2020.
  5. Effectiveness of topical silicone gel and pressure garment therapy for burn scar prevention and management in children 12-months postburn: A parallel group randomised controlled trial Wiseman J; Simons M; Kimble R; Ware RS; McPhail SM; Tyack Z. 2021 · Clinical Rehabilitation 35(8):1126–1141 Distinct 12-month follow-up article from the same trial as the 2020 report.
  6. Customized Fabrication Approach for Hypertrophic Scar Treatment: 3D Printed Fabric Silicone Composite Chow L; Yick K-L; Kwan M-Y; Yuen C-F; Ng S-P; Yu A; Yip J. 2020 · International Journal of Bioprinting 6(2):262
  7. Soft manikin as tool to evaluate bra features and pressure Lee C-W; Yick K-L; Ng S-P; Yip J. 2020 · International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education 13(2):204–212
  8. Longitudinal Evaluation of Pressure Applied by Custom Fabricated Garments Worn by Adult Burn Survivors Nedelec B; de Oliveira A; Calva V; Couture M-A; Poulin C; LaSalle L; Correa JA. 2020 · Journal of Burn Care & Research 41(2):254–262 2020 journal issue; online in 2019.
  9. The effects of rider size and saddle fit for horse and rider on forces and pressure distribution under saddles: A pilot study Roost L; Ellis AD; Morris C; Bondi A; Gandy EA; Harris P; Dyson S. 2020 · Equine Veterinary Education 32(Suppl 10):151–161 Journal issue 2020; online-first 2019.
  10. Effect of Contacting Surface on the Performance of Thin-Film Force and Pressure Sensors Tang K-PM et al.. 2020 · Sensors 20(23):6863
  11. Effectiveness of topical silicone gel and pressure garment therapy for burn scar prevention and management in children: a randomized controlled trial Wiseman J; Ware RS; Simons M; McPhail S; Kimble R; Dotta A; Tyack Z. 2020 · Clinical Rehabilitation 34(1):120–131 2020 journal issue; online 30 September 2019. Protocol not counted separately.
  12. The unexpected importance of the fifth digit during stone tool production Key AJM; Dunmore CJ; Marzke MW. 2019 · Scientific Reports 9:16724 Published 13 November 2019.
  13. The Effect of Tree Width on Thoracolumbar and Limb Kinematics, Saddle Pressure Distribution, and Thoracolumbar Dimensions in Sports Horses in Trot and Canter MacKechnie-Guire R; MacKechnie-Guire E; Fairfax V; Fisher D; Fisher M; Pfau T. 2019 · Animals 9(10):842
  14. Wheelchair Tilt-in-Space and Recline Functions: Influence on Sitting Interface Pressure and Ischial Blood Flow in an Elderly Population Zemp R; Rhiner J; Plüss S; Togni R; Plock JA; Taylor WR. 2019 · BioMed Research International 2019:4027976
  15. Comparison of rider stability in a flapless saddle versus a conventional saddle Clayton HM; Hampson A; Fraser P; White A; Egenvall A. 2018 · PLOS ONE 13(6):e0196960 Published 6 June 2018.
  16. Manual restrictions on Palaeolithic technological behaviours Key AJM; Dunmore CJ. 2018 · PeerJ 6:e5399
  17. Local Back Pressure Caused by a Training Roller During Lunging With and Without a Pessoa Training Aid MacKechnie-Guire R; MacKechnie-Guire E; Bush R; Fisher D; Fisher M; Weller R. 2018 · Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 67:112–117
  18. Relationship Between Saddle and Rider Kinematics, Horse Locomotion, and Thoracolumbar Pressures in Sound Horses MacKechnie-Guire R; MacKechnie-Guire E; Fisher M; Mathie H; Bush R; Pfau T; Weller R. 2018 · Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 69:43–52 Verification uses indexed publisher text; the linked PDF was not separately reviewed.
  19. Combination of PedCAT Weightbearing CT With Pedography Assessment of the Relationship Between Anatomy-Based Foot Center and Force/Pressure-Based Center of Gravity Richter M; Lintz F; Zech S; Meissner SA. 2018 · Foot & Ankle International 39(3):361–368 2018 journal issue; online in 2017.
  20. The Bionic Bra: Using electromaterials to sense and modify breast support to enhance active living Steele JR; Gho SA; Campbell TE; Richards CJ; Beirne S; Spinks GM; Wallace GG. 2018 · Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering 5:2055668318775905
  21. The manual pressures of stone tool behaviors and their implications for the evolution of the human hand Williams-Hatala EM; Hatala KG; Gordon M; Key A; Kasper M; Kivell TL. 2018 · Journal of Human Evolution 119:14–26
  22. Reliability and clinical utility of the Pliance X for measuring pressure at the interface of pressure garments and burn scars in children Wiseman J; Simons M; Kimble RM; Tyack Z. 2018 · Burns 44(7):1820–1828
  23. Effects of Large Saddle Panels on the Biomechanics of the Equine Back During Rising Trot: Preliminary Results Martin P; Cheze L; Pourcelot P; Desquilbet L; Duray L; Chateau H. 2017 · Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 48:15–22 2017 journal issue; published online in 2016.
  24. Reducing Peak Pressures Under the Saddle Panel at the Level of the 10th to 13th Thoracic Vertebrae May Be Associated With Improved Gait Features, Even When Saddles Are Fitted to Published Guidelines Murray R; Guire R; Fisher M; Fairfax V. 2017 · Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 54:60–69 Repository heading resembles the 2016 conference title, but the embedded manuscript identifies the 2017 journal article, volume 54, pages 60–69.
  25. Evaluation of Pressure Capacitive Sensors for Application in Grasping and Manipulation Analysis Pessia P et al.. 2017 · Sensors 17(12):2846
  26. Total contact cast wall load in patients with a plantar forefoot ulcer and diabetes Begg L; McLaughlin P; Vicaretti M; Fletcher J; Burns J. 2016 · Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 9:2 Published 7 January 2016.
  27. Intubation biomechanics: laryngoscope force and cervical spine motion during intubation in cadavers—effect of severe distractive-flexion injury on C3-4 motion Hindman BJ; Fontes RB; From RP; Traynelis VC; Todd MM; Puttlitz CM; Santoni BG. 2016 · Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine 25(5):545–555
  28. Combination of pedCAT® for 3D Imaging in Standing Position With Pedography Shows No Statistical Correlation of Bone Position With Force/Pressure Distribution Richter M; Zech S; Hahn S; Naef I; Merschin D. 2016 · Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery 55:240–246 2016 journal issue; online in 2015.
  29. Effects of pressure applied during standardized spinal mobilizations on peripheral skin blood flow: a randomised cross-over study Zegarra-Parodi R; Pazdernik VK; Roustit M; Park PYS; Degenhardt BF. 2016 · Manual Therapy 21:220–226 2016 journal issue; online in 2015.
  30. Seat pan and backrest pressure distribution while sitting in office chairs Zemp R; Taylor WR; Lorenzetti S. 2016 · Applied Ergonomics 53:1–9 Journal issue 2016; online publication 2015.
2022–202620 journal articles
  1. Under pressure - a sensor-based analysis of simulated prehospital pressure dressing application for hemorrhage management Brauckmann V; Menzel J; Welke B; Decker S; Macke C. 2026 · European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 52:192 Published 15 June 2026.
  2. Knitted Pneumatic Fabrics for Dynamic Pressure Modulation in Personalized Healthcare Wearables Chen X; Fan J; Zheng R; Chen Q; Sun F; Liu H. 2026 · Advanced Science 13(27):e18305 First online 27 March 2026; issue dated 13 May 2026.
  3. Peak pressure experienced by the human hand during suspension and vertical climbing Lockwood VA; Lu S-C; Winter SL; Yang H; Kivell TL. 2026 · Biology Open 15(8):bio062562 Online publication 20 August 2026.
  4. Comparing Pressure, Force, and Contact Area over the Projected Median Nerve Region Across Cycling Glove Conditions: A Pilot Study Reffeor W; Wisby G. 2026 · Biomechanics 6(3):77 Publisher article and version notes give publication as 26 August 2026; some third-party records show 25 August.
  5. Under pressure: The effect of system, surface geometry, and load on the measure of contact pressure Thompson A; Shepertycky M; Zhang J-T; Bryant T; Morin E; Sy A; Bossi L; Li Q. 2026 · International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics (article 103969) Journal publication July 2026; a 2025 SSRN preprint is not counted separately.
  6. Facial pressure beneath a cavesson noseband adjusted to different tightness levels during standing and chewing Clayton HM; Murray R; Williams JM; Walker V; Fisher M; Fisher D; Nixon J; MacKechnie-Guire R. 2025 · Equine Veterinary Journal 57(4):1127–1137 2025 journal issue; online in December 2024. Later commentaries are not counted.
  7. Comfort During Motion: Analyzing the Pressure Profile of Auxetic Bra Pads Keung Y-C; Yick K-L; Yip J; Yu A. 2025 · Materials 18(22):5071 Published 7 November 2025.
  8. Effect of bed height on laryngoscopy force and operator ergonomics during simulated endotracheal intubation: A randomized controlled study Lee JE; Hong KY; Chung C; Min JJ. 2025 · PLOS ONE 20(10):e0333104 Published 10 October 2025.
  9. Comparison of Rein Forces and Pressure Beneath the Noseband and Headpiece of a Snaffle Bridle and a Double Bridle MacKechnie-Guire R; Clayton HM; Williams JM; Marlin D; Fisher M; Fisher D; Walker V; Murray RC. 2025 · Animals 15(7):1058 Published 5 April 2025.
  10. Noseband type and tightness level affect pressure on the horse's face at trot MacKechnie-Guire R; Murray R; Williams JM; Nixon J; Fisher M; Fisher D; Walker V; Clayton HM. 2025 · Equine Veterinary Journal 57(3):774–788 2025 journal issue; online 21 September 2024.
  11. Force variability of thoracic spine mobilization and manipulation delivered by experienced physiotherapists to healthy human volunteers and a manikin: an observational study Thurnherr N; Schweinhardt P; Gorrell LM. 2025 · Chiropractic & Manual Therapies 33:56 Published 9 December 2025.
  12. Variability and repeatability of spinal manipulation force–time characteristics in thoracic spinal manipulation on a manikin Nyirö L; Gorrell LM; Cecchini V; Menon C; Elgendi M; Schweinhardt P. 2024 · Chiropractic & Manual Therapies 32:33 Published 11 November 2024.
  13. A Novel Force-Sensing Smart Textile: Inserting Silicone-Embedded FBG Sensors into a Knitted Undergarment Lee K-P; Yip J; Yick K-L; Lu C; Lu L; Lei Q-WE. 2023 · Sensors 23(11):5145 Published 28 May 2023.
  14. Saddle Thigh Block Design Can Influence Rider and Horse Biomechanics Murray R; Fisher M; Fairfax V; MacKechnie-Guire R. 2023 · Animals 13(13):2127 Published 27 June 2023.
  15. Pressure sensing mat as an objective and sensitive tool for the evaluation of lameness in rabbits von der Ahe C; Marahrens H; Schwarze M; Angrisani N; Reifenrath J. 2023 · PLOS ONE 18(7):e0286918 Published 7 July 2023.
  16. The effects of different saddle pads on the pressure exerted on the equine back by correctly fitting dressage saddles Dittmann M; Hess N; Arpagaus S; Müller-Quirin J; Weishaupt M; Latif S. 2022 · Pferdeheilkunde – Equine Medicine 38(2):100–108
  17. A study to evaluate pressure distribution of different sports bras Ocran FM; Ji X; Zhai L. 2022 · Journal of Engineered Fibers and Fabrics
  18. Forces and translation distance during an inferior glide of the shoulder in asymptomatic individuals measured with the novel pliance glove and ultrasound imaging Sillevis R; Todd RM; Speare JP; Shamus E; van Duijn AJ. 2022 · Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 29:92–98 2022 journal issue; online 8 October 2021.
  19. Sports Bra Pressure: Effect on Body Skin Temperature and Wear Comfort Yick K-L; Keung Y-C; Yu A; Wong K-H; Hui K-T; Yip J. 2022 · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19(23):15765 Published 26 November 2022.
  20. Redundancy Reduction for Sensor Deployment in Prosthetic Socket: A Case Study Zhu W; Chen Y; Ko S-T; Lu Z. 2022 · Sensors 22(9):3103 Published 19 April 2022.

Product videos

See the measurement workflow.

Short novel videos help visitors understand sensor placement, data acquisition and pressure map interpretation before they request a demo.

pliance wheelchair

Pressure mapping for seating and wheelchair applications.

pliance surface mapping

Flexible pressure sensors for soft and hard surface interfaces.

Flyers

pliance sensors flyer cover pliance sensors PDF flyer pliance wheelchair flyer cover pliance wheelchair PDF flyer pliance car seat flyer cover pliance car seat PDF flyer pliance saddle fitting flyer cover pliance saddle fitting PDF flyer

Need to know more about pliance?

Tell us the contact surface, pressure range, sensor shape and whether you need mobile or synchronized collection.

Contact us and book a demo
Update cookies preferences