California teen wins $10,000 for system that controls computers using tongue movements and blinks

Hollie Tang's technology enables users to navigate devices through tongue movements and eye blinks (Photo: IEEE) A California high school student has won the top $10,000 IEEE Presidents’ Scholarship for 2026 after developing a system that allows people with movement-related disabilities to control computers and other devices using their tongue and eye movements.Hollie Tang, a sophomore at Wilson High School in Hacienda Heights, created Tonguage, a camera-based technology that can be used to operate a computer, control a wheelchair and perform other tasks without using hands. Her project received the award at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), held in Phoenix in May.Tang was among three students recognised for developing technologies that could help people with disabilities or improve access to difficult environments. The awards were presented by 2026 IEEE President Mary Ellen Randall during the science fair.According to Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Tang wanted to develop a technology that people could use without buying expensive equipment. Her system works with a standard laptop camera and does not require sensors to be implanted...