My Journey at Maker’s Arena Hackathon – Building FallGuard: An AI-Based Elderly Detection System

I recently participated in the Maker’s Arena Hackathon on February 21-22, 2025, a 24-hour hardware hackathon focused on innovation and problem-solving. Along with my friend Madeshwaran, I took on the challenge of developing a functional prototype within the given time.

Our Project – FallGuard: AI-Based Elderly Detection System

During the hackathon, I and my Friend developed FallGuard, a smart AI and IoT solution designed to detect falls in elderly individuals and send immediate alerts. Our goal was to improve safety for senior citizens using real-time monitoring and machine learning.

How FallGuard Works

- Machine Learning Integration – We trained a model to detect falls based on sensor data.

- IoT Sensors – We used accelerometers and gyroscopes to track movement.

- Real-Time Alerts – The system sends notifications via mobile and cloud-based alerts.

- Edge Processing – Ensures quick response time without relying solely on cloud processing.

Technologies Used

- ML Model – Trained to distinguish normal activities from falls.

- IoT (ESP32, Sensors) – Captures and processes movement data.

- Firebase Integration – Enables real-time cloud alerts and data storage.

- Mobile App Interface – Allows caregivers to receive alerts instantly.

Lessons from the Hackathon

- Time Management and Problem-Solving – Completing a functional prototype in 24 hours required us to prioritize tasks efficiently.

- AI and IoT Integration – We gained deeper insight into combining AI with IoT for real-world applications.

- Collaboration and Teamwork – Working as a two-person team, I and my friend divided responsibilities effectively while brainstorming and debugging under pressure.

Next Steps

We plan to refine FallGuard by integrating computer vision for improved accuracy and predictive analytics to assess risk factors in elderly individuals.

Final Thoughts

The Maker’s Arena Hackathon was a valuable experience that provided hands-on learning, technical growth, and an opportunity to push our limits. Looking forward to applying these insights to future AI and IoT projects.

Would love to hear thoughts on AI-driven elderly care solutions. Let’s connect and explore innovative ideas.

#Hackathon #MakersArena #AI #IoT #MachineLearning #Innovation #FallGuard #AICRaise #TechForGood