“America’s Top Young Scientist” goes to an eighth grader from California this year. Kevin Tang, age thirteen, won the $25,000 prize for inventing a new kind of device that detects when a person takes a fall. The invention was inspired by Kevin’s grandmother, who had an accident involving a fall.
Kevin’s device is called FallGuard, and works from a camera-based monitoring system that uses an algorithm that spots falls and will alert caregivers. Kevin programmed the device himself. It is not a wearable device like Life Alert and ones similar. FallGuard uses cameras placed around the home. This is more convenient for many because it doesn’t require the person to wear a device or recharge anything.
After Kevin’s grandmother had a bad fall, Kevin realized how common and dangerous falls are for senior adults. They’re the leading cause of injury for Americans who are aged 65 and older.
Kevin’s device was challenging to calibrate especially in the dark at night. He was able to improve the system to track body positions and accurately identify falls. It can also detect irregular movements which may indicate other medical situations like strokes.
Kevin is working to get the device to be around $30 so that it can be affordable for those who need it.
Congratulations to Kevin Tang on such a honorable project and for winning this important award.