Teen Innovator Wins $25,000 for AI Fall-Detection and Launches Free App

Rather than using AI solely for personal gain in academics or social interactions, 13-year-old Kevin Tang has directed his skills towards a more compassionate cause.

Kevin was deeply affected when his grandmother experienced a fall in their kitchen that went unnoticed for too long, resulting in irreversible brain injury. A similar incident with a friend's grandparent, whose family was too far to intervene immediately, inspired him further.

Determined to offer a solution, Kevin devised FallGuard, an AI-powered tool, specifically to address and reduce the risk of falls among the elderly. This venture earned him the top position in the 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge, along with a $25,000 prize, part of which he has funneled back into enhancing and extending the project.

Inside Tang's Innovative Project

Initiated in the summer of 2024, Kevin's FallGuard device leverages AI to identify falls and send alerts promptly to individuals' family members through the FallGuard application. The system operates without relying on cellphone networks or incurring messaging charges, making it economically viable.

Kevin highlights that unlike typical wearables, FallGuard utilizes a camera mounted on the wall, linked to a computer—operating continually without the hassle of batteries. This ensures user privacy as no footage is stored or shared.

The device can currently work with one camera attached to a computer; however, Kevin plans to upgrade it to support multiple cameras across various locations within a house.

Kevin turned to MediaPipe, a Google AI framework, to assemble FallGuard. This tool maps human figures via strategically placed markers and employs a two-step detection approach to evaluate movements and posture.

By identifying rapid changes in a person’s velocity, FallGuard differentiates accidental falls from deliberate actions like laying down.

Advancements for Better Quality of Life

With guidance from his mentor, Mark Gilbertson, a robotics and AI expert at 3M, Kevin refined his invention. Gilbertson provided crucial advice on installation and design materials.

Gilbertson expressed admiration for the emotional roots of Kevin's project, seeing it as a profound attempt to address personal and widespread social challenges.

Since Kevin's win, he's drawn attention from hundreds of families. A memorable feedback was from a man who was profoundly grateful as FallGuard could aid him in caring for his wife despite his inability to hear her fall.

Using part of his prize, Kevin acquired a MacBook to expand FallGuard into a computer-compatible app, enabling any desktop to function as part of the system.

Proudly reflecting on his journey, Kevin values how the project transformed over time. From simple hardware to a sophisticated app, his innovations continue to make a tangible difference.