Two first-year students at Kennesaw State University are developing an artificial intelligence system aimed at preventing dangerous falls among virtual reality users, according to an April 2 announcement. Joshua Hentz, a computer science major from Chickamauga, Georgia, and Caleb Tran, a software engineering major from Suwanee, Georgia, are participating in the university’s First-Year Scholars Program through the Office of Research.
The project addresses safety concerns as virtual reality technology becomes more common in gaming, fitness, and rehabilitation. The AI system—called Fallguard—uses motion sensors and 3D modeling to monitor user movement while wearing a VR headset. By analyzing real-time data and comparing it with trained models of stability and balance, Fallguard can alert users when they are at risk of falling.
“In simple terms, it’s an AI that predicts when you are about to fall and gives you advice to avoid it,” Hentz said. He explained that the immersive nature of VR can disrupt natural balance: “It kind of messes with your perception. Like when you close your eyes and try to stand on one leg.”
Tran said joining the research project as a first-year student was unexpected but valuable for his academic growth. “I did not expect to be doing research like this in my first year, but I’m really glad I took the opportunity,” Tran said. “I didn’t know much about AI or machine learning before this, and now I’m learning how it works and how it can be applied.”
Hentz added that working on Fallguard has given him insight into future career possibilities: “It’s insight into what it’s going to be like in the real world.”
CCSE Interim Dean Yiming Ji said these early research experiences reflect Kennesaw State’s focus on experiential learning: “Joshua and Caleb are taking initiative early in their academic careers, and that is exactly what we want to see from our students. Their work on Fallguard shows how experiential learning can build both technical skills and confidence, preparing them to contribute in meaningful ways to the future of technology.”
