When elderly people suffer falls alone at home or in nursing homes, it can be a long time before anyone finds them. That could soon change thanks to the invention of an innovative young high school student.

Vetri Vel, 16, is the youngest engineer to make it to the top 40 of the Regeneron Science Talent Search. The talent search is the most prestigious and longest-running science and math competition in the United States. 

“My research was on developing a real-time fall detection system for the elderly, and the motivation for this was that I heard many instances of older adults falling and not getting help for hours or days,” Vel told News Center Maine. 

Vel’s invention, dubbed “Real-Time Fall Detection System for the Elderly,” was selected among 1,760 project entries. Equipped with a low-resolution camera and a small Raspberry Pi computer, the system uses thermal imaging and deep learning to detect when an elderly person has fallen in their home. When the system detects a potential fall, it sends an automated call of text message, along with a photo, to emergency services. The photo helps them decide whether it’s necessary to go to the elderly person’s home.

Such a system would be a big help for elderly people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, three million older people are treated for falls every year, one out of five of which causes a serious injury like a broken bone or damage to the head.

“This system would be especially effective in nursing homes, where they tend to be short-staffed and you can’t always be checking on the person,” Vel told News Center Maine. 

Along with 39 other finalists, Vel will receive a minimum of $25,000 for his project. $2,000 will go to Vel’s high school in Bangor, Maine, and will be used to encourage students to study science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Are you looking for some STEM inspiration? There are many success stories of how volunteers, partners, educators, and students are making a positive impact in the world either by solving problems through creative innovations or are inspiring the next generation with engaging programs. Explore IEEE TryEngineering resources to read their stories and to share in their successes.