L&T Techgium Mobility Challenges
L&T Techgium Mobility Challenges
Mobility
1. Navigation in GPS denied environment
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Mobility
Description (With Technical Specifications)
Background
Over the past decade, there have been a number of navigation trends that have driven
the desire to improve our ability to navigate in all environments. Navigating vehicles becomes
a significant challenge when GPS signals are denied. This is particularly problematic in regions
with extensive tunnel networks, where drivers rely heavily on navigation systems to guide
them on the correct path. The primary causes of GPS denial include interference, spoofing,
signal blockage, such as in tunnels or covered areas and GPS constellation failure
Challenge / Requirement
Develop an algorithm that can provide accurate navigation solutions in the absence of
GPS signals, ensuring continuous and reliable guidance for drivers during their journey.
Deliverables
Need to develop novel algorithms to find solution when there is no GPS signal.
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Mobility
Background
The limitation of current drone technology is evident in their flight duration, with most unable to
sustain flight for more than an hour. This constraint is primarily due to the limitations of battery
technology, which affects not only the flight time but also the range and capabilities of drones.
Challenge / Requirement
To develop a drone equipped with a battery that allows for continuous flight of up to four hours,
significantly enhancing its operational capacity.
Deliverables
A PoC of a drone, incorporating innovative battery technology, batteries for extended duration.
3. Improve efficiency in wireless EV charger by mitigating the issue of
coil misalignment
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Mobility
Background
Wireless charging technology offers a convenient method to charge electric vehicles without
the need for physical connectors. The system works by transferring energy through inductive
coupling using transmission and receiving coils. However, the alignment of these coils is
crucial; any misalignment can significantly affect the charging efficiency, leading to longer
charging times and reduced power transfer.
Challenge / Requirement
Design and analyze coils for optimal efficiency, investigating the impact of coil misalignment on
energy transfer, develop a coil topology that maintains efficiency despite misalignment,
examining thermal management to prevent overheating, and devise a cost-effective solution to
assist users in correctly aligning their vehicles during charging.
Deliverables
- Develop and demonstrate a system which helps to reduce coil misalignment and achieve
optimum power transfer efficiency
- Measure temperature of coils during power transfer and develop effective cooling system.
-Develop multicoil based wireless charger to obtain robust charger with optimum efficiency.
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Mobility
Description (With Technical Specifications)
Background
In conditions where visibility is compromised, such as fog, heavy rain, or sandstorms, the rate
of vehicular accidents increases significantly. This is due to the driver's inability to see and
react to obstacles on the road. The challenge lies in providing drivers with reliable assistance
that can help them navigate safely even when environmental conditions obscure their vision.
Challenge / Requirement
Develop a driving assistance system that can function effectively in low visibility conditions.
This system should be capable of detecting and alerting drivers about potential hazards on the
road, which are not visible to the naked eye due to adverse weather conditions.
Deliverables
AI based image editing software which can create clear image with object detection from foggy
image to help safe driving
5. Recharging infrastructure
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Mobility
Background
Challenge / Requirement
Develop a system to harnessing the vehicle's kinetic energy to generate electricity while driving,
potentially recharging the EV's battery on the go, reducing the need for frequent stops at
charging stations.
Such a system would utilize the natural resource of motion, converting it into electrical energy,
thereby enhancing the vehicle's range and efficiency.
Deliverables
1.How to store Battery Power for Long hours and loop with existing battery
2. Method of storage.
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Mobility
Background
Electric vehicles (EVs) rely on batteries that produce heat during charging and discharging.
Managing this heat is crucial for maintaining battery performance and longevity. Unlike
conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE), EVs face unique challenges in
heat dissipation. The issue becomes more pronounced during rapid charging, which generates
significant heat and is increasingly preferred for its convenience.
Challenge / Requirement
Design a self-regulating battery pack for EVs that can efficiently cool or heat itself to ensure
peak performance in varying temperatures. This design must mitigate the effects of cold on
battery capacity and safety. Key considerations include energy conservation, the ability to
quickly start in cold conditions, and the practicality of integrating the system into EVs.
Deliverables
Design a self-regulating battery pack for EVs that can efficiently cool or heat itself to ensure
peak performance in varying temperatures. This design must mitigate the effects of cold on
battery capacity and safety. Key considerations include energy conservation, the ability to
quickly start in cold conditions, and the practicality of integrating the system into EVs.
Known Bottlenecks / critical areas / Key factors to be addressed
1.How to store Battery Power for Long hours and loop with existing battery
2. Method of storage.
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Mobility
Background
Diesel engines face stringent emission regulations to mitigate air pollution. To comply with
these standards, after treatment systems such as Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOCs) and
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems are employed. While DOCs effectively oxidize
harmful pollutants, they inadvertently contribute to NOx formation, a precursor to smog and
acid rain. The subsequent increase in NOx levels overloads the SCR system, necessitating
higher AdBlue consumption and potentially compromising its efficiency.
Challenge / Requirement
Develop innovative solutions to optimize or replace the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) to
significantly reduce NOx formation in diesel engine exhaust while maintaining or improving
overall catalyst performance and minimizing downstream impacts on Selective Catalytic
Reduction (SCR) systems
Deliverables
Alternative for DOC or New DOC configuration with improved efficiency and cost-effective
solution.
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Domain / Discipline of Challenge
Mobility
Background
'Performance of Electric Vehicles (EV) is often compromised on rough terrains due to torque
gaps, which occur during gear shifts or motor speed variations. These torque interruptions can
affect vehicle stability, ride comfort, and overall driving experience, especially in challenging
terrains.
Challenge / Requirement
Develop an advanced torque gap compensation AI model for electric vehicles operating on
rough terrain that can learn torque variation patterns and auto-computes torque compensation
and applies them on the drive motor. The algorithm should effectively minimize torque
interruptions, enhance vehicle performance, and improve driver comfort. Demonstrate drive
stability by plotting vehicle plane stability.
Deliverables
Demonstrate torque variation pattern learning and auto-compensation of required motor torque
on a 4-wheel motor driven wheel drive system with vehicle plane plot visualization.
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Mobility
Background
Battery Thermal Management is needed in electric vehicles to make sure the efficient usage
of the batteries. If the temperature of the battery gets too high or too low, it can cause battery
malfunctions, even fire hazards in some situations. It is very important to keep the battery in
operating temperature range at all times which is the crucial job of Battery Thermal
Management System.
Challenge / Requirement
1. Develop a virtual model of battery and different methods to cool/heat the system and
analyze the effectiveness of the system.
2. Check the model with different battery parameters and cooling/heating solutions.
3. Try it out with different combinations of Thermal Management systems and come up with
the best solution.
Deliverables
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Mobility
Background
Potholes are increasingly becoming a significant factor in road mishaps, leading to fatalities
when drivers fail to maneuver around them. There is a pressing need for an economical
solution that can preemptively identify these road hazards and warn drivers in time to adjust
their driving accordingly. Such a method would not only enhance road safety but also
potentially save lives by reducing the risk of accidents caused by potholes.
Challenge / Requirement
Design an innovative and cost-effective pothole detection system that utilizes advanced
technology to identify potential road hazards. This system should be capable of alerting drivers
in real-time, enhancing road safety, and minimizing the risk of accidents caused by potholes.
The solution must be scalable, reliable, and easy to integrate into existing vehicle systems.
Deliverables
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Mobility
Background
'In Battery Management Systems (BMS), a suite of sensors monitors various parameters like
current, voltage, and temperature, which are crucial for functions such as State of Charge
(SOC), State of Health (SOH), cell balancing, and thermal management. However, issues with
sensor precision, response time, and resolution can lead to malfunctions or suboptimal
performance of the BMS. Consequently, this affects the battery's expected lifespan,
operational cycles, and safety, potentially leading to reduced efficiency or hazardous
situations such as explosions.
Challenge / Requirement
Developing a reliable predictive system is crucial for overcoming the shortcomings of sensors.
This means that any deficiencies or constraints in the sensors must be counteracted by
alternative measures within a Digital Twin. The Digital Twin should be equipped with
capabilities to detect or anticipate fluctuations in DC bus current, acceleration, and thermal
profiles, enabling proactive measures to prevent system malfunctions.
Deliverables
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Domain / Discipline of Challenge
Mobility
Background
Inspecting underwater infrastructure lies in the complexity of the environment. The murky
waters, varying pressures, and unpredictable conditions make it difficult to assess structural
integrity and identify potential hazards. Moreover, the need to understand and mitigate the
environmental impact of such infrastructures requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining
engineering principles with ecological awareness.
Challenge / Requirement
Design a compact underwater robot equipped with mini-propulsion and obstacle detection
capabilities. The robot should be capable of navigating through various water bodies and
conducting thorough inspections of industrial and infrastructural assets located underwater.
Consider the challenges of underwater navigation and the importance of precise and reliable
functioning in diverse aquatic environments.
Deliverables
Underwater prototype to travel under water in a water tank and tracked from outside the water
tank.
Sustainability
1. Current measurement accuracy (+/-5% (4A-1290A) for CT powered
devices while preventing saturation
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Sustainability
Background
In a CT power device, when CT is switched between power and measurement the CT gets
saturated (some peaks will be clipped by half, asymmetric positive or negative waveforms and
at Zero cross the waveform is distorted). The saturation will not be continuous but
intermediate. The current measurement will be inaccurate during CT saturation. The
saturation is observed from 20A to 100A primary current. When CT is opened (Power mode)
the voltage will increase up to 100V.
The MCU generates the signals (60mS) every predefined time to short he CT for current
measurement. The CT shorting time of 60mS cannot be increased as at lower current the
device will not turn on. MCU in any condition will not know whether the CT is saturated or
not. The current drawn from the digital section is ~35 to 40mA from 3.4V.
We cannot use composite CT for this application as the product should support backward
compatibility with old installations.
Current transformer units play a primary role in metering. These components can measure
the total current flowing through a system, which equates to the downstream consumption
within the grid or system.
Dealing with a Current Transformer (CT) that experiences saturation when switching modes
can lead to inaccurate current measurements. The saturation occurs intermittently and is
noticeable when the primary current ranges from 20A to 100A. When the CT is in power mode,
the voltage can spike up to 100V.
A Microcontroller Unit (MCU) is programmed to short the CT at every 60ms interval for current
measurement. This interval cannot be extended as at lower currents the device will be unable
to power on. Nevertheless, the MCU lacks the capability to detect CT saturation. The current
drawn from the digital section is ~35 to 40mA from 3.4V.
Additionally, a composite CT isn't an option owing to backward compatibility needed with older
systems.
Challenge / Requirement
A Current Transformer (CT) that needs to switch between two modes—powering the board
and measuring current. The goal is to keep the measurement accuracy within a tight margin
of +/-5% across a wide range of currents, from 4A to 1290A. It's crucial that the power remains
constant during this process, and also does not cause any system resets. For currents above
100A, it should be ensured that the input voltage stays under 60V, even though it can fluctuate
between 35V and 60V. Alternative option is to opt for a consistent input voltage, say 40V, to
simplify the design.
Deliverables
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Sustainability
Background
The challenge is to develop a low-cost potting solution that can achieve an IP68 rating for
electronic devices. The solution should ensure that the device remains fully functional and
undamaged after being immersed in water at a depth of 3 meters for a continuous period of
30 days.
Background of the Challenge: Ingress Protection (IP) ratings are used to define the levels of
sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from foreign bodies such as dirt
and water. An IP68 rating is the highest protection available, signifying that the device is dust
tight and can be immersed in water under specified conditions without suffering harmful effects.
However, achieving this level of protection often involves high-cost solutions, which can make
the end product expensive and less accessible to many users. This challenge arises from the
need to make durable, water-resistant technology more affordable and widely available.
The goal is to innovate a potting solution that is not only cost-effective but also reliable in
maintaining the IP68 standard of protection. This would involve material selection, design
considerations, manufacturing processes, curing time in production line and possibly even
rethinking the traditional approaches to sealing and protecting electronic devices.
The product shall be of maintenance free category where in no repair or maintenance can be
carried our post potting process.
The successful solution could have a significant impact on various industries, including
consumer electronics, automotive, marine, and outdoor equipment, where devices often need
to withstand harsh environmental conditions. It could potentially lead to the development of
more affordable, durable, and water-resistant devices, opening up new possibilities for
technology use in different settings.
Challenge / Requirement
The challenge is to design and develop a low-cost potting solution that can effectively provide
an IP68 rating for electronic devices. The solution should be capable of protecting the device
from any damage or functional impairment when subjected to immersion in water at a depth
of 3 meters for a continuous period of 30 days.
Cost-Effective: The solution should be affordable, reducing the overall cost of the device
without compromising its performance or durability.
Reliable: The solution should consistently maintain the IP68 standard of protection, even
under prolonged exposure to water.
Versatile: Ideally, the solution should be applicable to a variety of electronic devices, not just
a specific product or model.
Impact on PCB and Enclosure: The Potting material needs to glued to the enclosure with no
Gap for water ingress, also the Potting material should not create any stresses on PCBA or
enclosure due to Exo thermic reaction during curing.
The successful development of such a solution could revolutionize the electronics industry by
making high-quality, water-resistant devices more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
It could also open up new opportunities for the use of electronic devices in environments where
they were previously unsuitable due to the risk of water damage. This challenge is an invitation
to innovators and problem solvers to make a significant contribution to this exciting field.
Deliverables
Testing and Validation Reports: Comprehensive reports detailing the testing procedures and
results, validating that the prototype meets the IP68 standard of protection. This should include
any relevant data, observations, and analysis.
Cost Analysis: A detailed breakdown of the costs involved in implementing the proposed
solution, demonstrating its cost-effectiveness. This should include material costs,
manufacturing costs, and any other relevant expenses.
User Manual: A user manual providing clear instructions on how to use and maintain the
device to ensure it retains its IP68 rating over time.
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Sustainability
Background
Cleaning windows in high-rises and large homes with glass windows, both vertical and roof
windows, presents a significant challenge due to accessibility and safety risks. Homeowners
seek a simple DIY solution for cleaning windows in both commercial and residential high-rise
buildings.
Challenge / Requirement
Develop a window cleaning device for high-rise buildings that is easy and safe to use, cost-
effective, and requires low maintenance. The device should be versatile, not limited to one
window or area, and adaptable to different window sizes and types.
Deliverables
Multiple concepts
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Sustainability
Background
HVAC systems and ice machines are often situated outdoors, making them vulnerable to
extreme weather conditions like heavy rain, snowfall, and intense heat, as well as insects.
These factors can lead to frequent damage and a reduced operational lifespan, necessitating
increased maintenance efforts.
Challenge / Requirement
Develop a robust system that can withstand these harsh environmental conditions. Specifically,
a solution to maintain consistent condenser head pressure in extremely low ambient
temperatures, such as -25°C.
Deliverables
1. Develop Design concepts to reduce the impact of these harsh environmental conditions.
2. Methods to maintain constant condenser head pressure when the ambient temperature is
very low (-25 Deg C)
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Domain / Discipline of Challenge
Sustainability
Background
Water Utility and Industries across the globe are struggling to manage the water & wastewater
assets (Water/Sewage Pipeline, Manholes, Septic tanks etc.,). Currently, these industries use
manual methods (disruptive excavation) to check the pipeline defects - blocks, leaks, any
damages etc. This manual method is costly & laborious (labor intensive) as excavation of
holes to spot right location (leaks/blocks) itself will be challenging. This is also highly time-
consuming process to spot right location for the pipeline running for few hundred kilometers.
Replacement cost will be high as excavation may lead to damaging of the equipment/ pipeline
itself.
Challenge / Requirement
Create an AI-assisted robot capable of navigating the challenging environments within water
and sewage pipelines, ranging from 4 to 50 inches in diameter. Robot must withstand high
water pressure and adverse conditions while accurately monitoring various asset performance
parameters. These include detecting pipeline defects, blockages, tampering, cracks, and
assessing the overall condition to determine the need for pipeline replacement.
Deliverables
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Sustainability
Background
Challenge / Requirement
Develop a material that is resistant to corrosion even under the extreme temperatures
produced by exhaust gases. Also develop a monitoring equipment capable of predicting the
lifespan of exhaust system components, allowing for timely maintenance and replacement.
Deliverables
Develop corrosion resistant material and develop real time check equipment in-build in car to
monitor the product vulnerable to corrosion.
Software to analyze and predict the output from equipment. Based on the software predictions
necessary steps could be taken to mitigate the possible risk factors.
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Sustainability
Background
Sustainability in the automotive industry is about minimizing the environmental footprint while
producing and operating vehicles. With the industry contributing to a significant portion of
global CO2 emissions, there's a pressing need to shift towards more eco-friendly practices.
This includes adopting electric vehicles and improving supply chain processes to reduce
carbon output. The industry's efforts align with various Sustainable Development Goals aimed
at tackling issues like climate change, air and water pollution, and resource depletion.
Challenge / Requirement
Design automotive radiators that not only perform efficiently but also have a minimal
environmental impact. This involves selecting materials that are sustainable, improving heat
dissipation, and reducing energy losses. The goal is to achieve this while keeping the solutions
cost-effective and lowering emissions, thus contributing to the broader objective of
sustainability in the automotive sector.
Deliverables
POC for a sustainable radiator, with particulars on how it outperforms the market's existing
model in terms of sustainability
7. Aluminium Alternatives
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Sustainability
Background
'Aluminum is a versatile metal used as primary load bearing members in HVAC units due to
its low density, non-toxicity, high thermal conductivity, and excellent corrosion resistance. It's
also non-magnetic, non-sparking, and highly malleable. However, pure aluminum isn't very
strong, so it's commonly used as an alloy with elements like copper, manganese, magnesium,
and silicon, which enhances its strength without compromising weight. This makes it ideal for
transport vehicles and electrical transmission lines.
Due to the varied uses of the metal, the cost of Aluminum has increased. This increase in cost
impacts the cost of the HVAC units. There is a need for either low-cost manufacturing of
Aluminum components or replacement of Aluminum with similar materials.
Challenge / Requirement
The new alternative material that matches Aluminum’s characteristics, including weight,
corrosion resistance, and load-bearing capacity, while also being more cost-effective to
manufacture.
Deliverables
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Domain / Discipline of Challenge
Sustainability
Background
'By adhering to various standards, industries can ensure public safety, protect the environment
and maintain product quality. Adherence to various codes and standards such as NFPA, API,
ASME is crucial. These documents are frequently consulted throughout the design process to
ensure compliance and safety. However, the task of referencing multiple codes can be time-
consuming and often presents the challenge of drawing firm conclusions from disparate
sources.
Challenge / Requirement
Develop a digital tool that would feature a search box where users can input queries. Upon
entering a question, the tool would retrieve relevant answers from a database of stored codes
and standards documents.
Deliverables
A desktop application with search box. On typing the question, the result will be tabulated in a
space below. Results should contain, from which code the result was fetched, Page number
of the code and hyperlink to the page.
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Sustainability
Background
'The HVAC industry is currently facing a challenge due to the increasing global steel prices.
To maintain profitability, manufacturers are looking to reduce the thickness of radiator tube
sheets and heat exchanger-condensers without compromising on quality and performance.
Challenge / Requirement
Develop a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) methodology and a working POC that incorporates
stay rods within heat exchangers. This method must optimize the thickness of tube sheets
while ensuring adherence to the ASME design code for safety and reliability.
Deliverables
Stress numbers obtained from FEA should be within the allowable as per ASME standards
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Sustainability
Background
'Traditional home air conditioning systems work by recirculating the same air within a room to
maintain a set temperature. However, this process does not introduce fresh air into the
environment, leading to a gradual decline in air quality. Over time, this can result in a stuffy
atmosphere that may feel suffocating, as pollutants and stale air accumulate, odor build-up,
damp environment.
Challenge / Requirement
Design and develop a ventilation solution that integrates an air purifier, ensuring the air is not
only cooled but also cleaned before recirculation. Additionally, the it must include creating an
addon product that can be retrofitted with existing air conditioning systems to enhance their
functionality.
Deliverables
Viable additional system for the home air conditioner to improve the Air quality
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Domain / Discipline of Challenge
Sustainability
Background
'As energy costs rise and environmental concerns become increasingly pressing, buildings
need to optimize HVAC systems to enhance energy efficiency while maintaining occupant
comfort.
Traditional HVAC systems often operate on fixed schedules or manual settings, leading to
inefficient energy use and discomfort for occupants. These systems typically do not adapt to
real-time occupancy patterns or external environmental conditions, resulting in wasted energy
and increased operational costs.
Challenge / Requirement
Develop an embedded Smart HVAC Control system that utilizes occupancy detection and
external weather data to dynamically adjust heating and cooling settings. This system should
learn and adapt over time to optimize energy consumption and enhance comfort for building
occupants.
Deliverables
System Architecture Design, Machine Learning Models, Data Analytics Dashboard, Testing
and Validation Reports
Sustainability
Background
'Sustainability has emerged as a pivotal aspect of the construction industry, aiming to mitigate
environmental impacts and reduce carbon emissions. Building Automation Systems (BAS) are
at the forefront of this movement, providing critical control and monitoring of building
operations such as temperature regulation, lighting, security, and energy efficiency. The
challenge lies in enhancing the intelligence of BAS to proactively monitor and make decisions
that significantly lower carbon footprints.
Challenge / Requirement
Deliverables
POC demonstrating the proposed solution carbon reduction with and without the solution
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Sustainability
Background
Automotive applications, such as autonomous driving and driver assistance systems, rely on
multimodal embeddings that can accurately represent different types of data, including text,
image, video, and audio. However, current models based on CLIP face significant limitations
when it comes to video data. These models rely on image-text pair datasets and convert
videos into select frames, which neglects the continuous nature of video data, leading to
incomplete and less effective embeddings for video content.
Challenge / Requirement
The challenge is to develop a novel multimodal embedding model that can effectively integrate
video data, capturing both temporal and spatial dimensions. The model should be able to
represent videos accurately while maintaining their temporal and spatial integrity. This
approach will improve the comprehensiveness of multimodal understanding, which is crucial
for automotive applications such as autonomous driving and driver assistance systems.
Deliverables
1. A novel multimodal embedding model that can effectively integrate video data, capturing
both temporal and spatial dimensions
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Sustainability
Background
'The longevity and efficiency of steam turbines are significantly impacted by the durability of
low-pressure blades exposed to wet steam environments. Real-time monitoring of
temperature and pressure conditions is crucial for optimizing the performance and extending
the lifespan of these components.
- Harsh Environment: The high-temperature, high-pressure, and corrosive nature of the wet
steam environment makes it difficult to deploy and maintain sensors.
- Sensor Accuracy: Achieving accurate and reliable measurements in such extreme conditions
is demanding, requiring specialized sensors and calibration techniques.
- Data Acquisition: Continuous and real-time data acquisition from multiple sensors within the
turbine is complex and requires robust data management systems.
- Data Analysis: Processing and analyzing large volumes of data to extract meaningful insights
for predictive maintenance is computationally intensive.
- Sensor Fouling: The deposition of impurities in the wet steam can lead to sensor fouling,
reducing accuracy and reliability.
- Vibration and Shock: The dynamic environment within the turbine can affect sensor
performance and data integrity.
Addressing these challenges is crucial for developing effective monitoring systems and
optimizing turbine performance.
Challenge / Requirement
To design sensors that can operate reliably under challenging conditions. For instance,
sensors must maintain accuracy and functionality in environments with wet steam, which can
be corrosive and impair performance. Additionally, these sensors must be capable of
monitoring high-speed, large-scale rotating machinery, such as turbine blades, where
precision is vital for safety and efficiency. The solution should also analyze data and enable
predictive maintenance.
Deliverables
Designing sensors for wet steam conditions and high-speed rotating blades, accompanied by
simulations or models demonstrating the sensor's functionality in the specified conditions. A
working prototype of sensor along with the dashboard that is able to showcase the functionality
under the harsh conditions
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Sustainability
Background
'E-waste, or electronic waste, is a growing global challenge due to the rapid pace of
technological advancements. Globally on an average only 20 % of the e-waste is officially
reported as properly collected and recycled. Improper disposal of e-waste poses significant
environmental and health risks. Effective e-waste management requires accurate tracking,
efficient collection, and responsible recycling.
Challenge / Requirement
Develop a comprehensive e-waste tracking and management system that enables real-time
monitoring of e-waste from its generation to its final disposal. The system should facilitate
efficient collection, proper segregation, and responsible recycling of e-waste while ensuring
data privacy and security. The solution should also be able to get the details from recycling
vendors on materials purified, trace the usage of recycled material.
Deliverables
2) Details of recycling (Material, Purity rate of material, quantity, resources used etc.)
3) Should be able to trace the reverse supply chain to close the loop.
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Sustainability
Background
'In the field of water management, there is a growing demand for advanced technologies
derived from Physics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) to enhance the
effectiveness of water treatment facilities. These plants utilize Biological Oxygen Demand
(BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) as key indicators to purify water. Accurate
measurement of these parameters is crucial for predicting system performance and optimizing
the treatment process for better results.
Challenge / Requirement
Develop a method for precise measurement and real-time monitoring of BOD and COD levels.
This system should predict performance outcomes and suggest optimizations to improve the
purification process, ultimately leading to a significant enhancement in the efficiency of water
treatment plants.
Deliverables
Mathematical models or Data based models to predict the performance of water treatment
plants
A prototype and real-world tests demonstrating the system's ability to accurately measure and
monitor BOD and COD levels.
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Sustainability
Background
'In fuel cells and electrolyzes, the bipolar plates are exposed to acidic conditions and water for
extended periods, which can lead to their deterioration due to corrosion. Therefore, it is crucial
to use a material that not only allows the flow of electrons but also can withstand these harsh
chemical environments. Such a material would greatly enhance the durability and
performance of the bipolar plates in these energy systems.
Challenge / Requirement
Design a durable and chemically resistant bipolar plate for fuel cells and electrolyzes that can
effectively conduct electrons. The material must be capable of withstanding long-term
exposure to acidic environments and the presence of water without corroding, ensuring the
longevity and efficiency of the energy systems.
Deliverables
A prototype and a detailed material selection report, outlining potential materials and their
properties, such as corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity.
Tech
1. AI driven engineering drawing dimension identification and parts &
Dimensions correlation system
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Background
In the field of engineering and manufacturing, technical drawings play a crucial role in
conveying detailed information about a product or a part. These drawings include multiple
dimensions that are critical to the product’s assembly, functionality, and quality. However,
interpreting these dimensions and understanding their interrelationships can be complex.
The challenge lies in developing a method or a system that can accurately identify and
understand the various dimensions presented on a drawing sheet. This includes recognizing
the dimensions, establishing meaningful connections between them, and understanding how
they relate to the overall part or product. The ultimate goal is to derive a correlation between
the type of part and its associated dimensions, which can provide valuable insights for
manufacturing, quality control, and product development. This could potentially lead to more
efficient conversion, improved product quality, and significant cost savings.
Challenge / Requirement
Develop a method or system that can accurately interpret engineering drawings. This system
should be capable of identifying various dimensions on a drawing sheet, understanding their
interrelationships, and correlating them with the type of part being represented. The ultimate
goal is to enhance the efficiency of manufacturing processes, improve product quality, and
achieve cost savings. This challenge requires a deep understanding of technical drawings and
the ability to translate this understanding into a practical, automated solution. It’s a complex
task that involves elements of computer vision, machine learning, and mechanical engineering.
Deliverables
A functional prototype that can accurately interpret engineering drawings, identify various
dimensions, understand their interrelationships, and correlate them with the type of part being
represented.
Tech
Background
Electric Vehicles (EVs) currently lack a wind regenerative charging system that utilizes air
pressure. This means that while EVs can recapture energy through braking, they are not yet
able to harness the energy potential of air pressure during the vehicle's motion.
Challenge / Requirement
Develop a battery charger that employs air resistance and an electric motor to generate
voltage. This system should support the low-voltage functions in EVs and be complemented
by a solar system integrated into the vehicle's roof. The combination of these charging
methods aims to achieve the necessary voltage to efficiently charge the EV battery.
Deliverables
A proof-of-concept demonstration, along with test results showing the efficiency of the charger
in various conditions and its integration with the solar system
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Description (With Technical Specifications)
Background
In the field of Component Engineering, a crucial task is to identify electronic components that
have reached their End of Life (EOL) using tools like IHS or Silicon Expert. After pinpointing
these EOL components, the process of finding Form, Fit, and Function (FFF) replacement
components is usually performed manually. This involves extensive research on websites and
analysis of component datasheets.
Challenge / Requirement
Automate the manual process with an intelligent AI system. A system would be capable of
identifying EOL components and suggesting alternative FFF components without human
intervention.
Deliverables
AI engine which takes input as component details and finds replacement component
automatically
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Background
The design of a battery's liquid cooling plate is crucial for managing the thermal load. The
current design process is not efficient, requiring numerous iterations, significant computational
resources, and extended timeframes, which can delay the overall development process.
Challenge / Requirement
Develop an optimization tool that can adapt swiftly to changes in product design, including
alterations in shape and size, without compromising the delivery schedule or inflating the
design costs. The tool should seamlessly integrate with the existing infrastructure to improve
the battery cooling plate's performance, ensuring uniform velocity and temperature
distribution.
Additionally, the goal is to develop a design approach for the liquid cooling plate that can
reduce the required pumping power by 30%.
Deliverables
Thermal performance prediction (velocity, temperature and pressure drop) by Varying battery
cooling plate dimensions, patterns, sizes and shapes
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Background
Challenge / Requirement
Develop a system that allows for underbody visualization under various harsh conditions,
which can be integrated into the vehicle's cabin display. This system should be adaptable to
various vehicle types and potentially connect to the driver's mobile device, providing a
seamless and user-friendly interface. Good to get integrated with ADAS features.
Deliverables
Working concept
Tentative BOM
Implementation Plan
Regulations assessment
6. Enhanced Cancer treatment outcome through Simulation
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Background
Challenge / Requirement
'Refine the catheter design to minimize thermal damage, utilizing virtual models for real-time
visualization of the ablation zone, and delivering precise electromagnetic energy to target only
malignant tissues. Develop a robust design that incorporates dynamic effects from the physical
world and evaluates various probe structures for their impact on different cancer cell shapes.
Deliverables
One can predict the dose requirement precisely based on how much energy will be needed
for a typical tissue of interest as per its malignancy and in real time any complex scenario can
be built in simulation environment.
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Description (With Technical Specifications)
Background
In neonatal intensive care units (NICU), constant monitoring of infants' vital signs is crucial for
their survival and health. Traditionally, this monitoring requires a medical attendant to be
physically present, which can be resource-intensive. An example of the importance of such
monitoring is the detection of a drop in SpO2 levels, which indicates a need for immediate
oxygen therapy to prevent serious complications.
Challenge / Requirement
Develop an AI-based monitoring system for neonates in the ICU. This system would track not
only the vital signs but also the sleep and activity patterns of the infants. Such a system would
enable prompt medical intervention, allowing for the immediate response to emergencies,
early detection of health abnormalities, and more effective treatment.
Deliverables
Develop application which records infant vital signs like respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR),
temperature (T), blood pressure (BP), and oxygen saturation level (SpO2). Record Infant
Active/Sleep patterns and inform on any abnormalities.
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Background
As smart cities grow, so does the use of cameras for surveillance, leading to a high demand
for live streaming. This streaming requires substantial bandwidth, which is a limited resource.
Multicasting can help by allowing multiple users to view the same stream simultaneously, but
it's not widely supported by public cloud providers due to security concerns, although it is
available in on-premises data centers.
Challenge / Requirement
Develop a system that allows multicast video streams from IP cameras to be sent both to a
command center and a cloud data center at the same time. This system must ensure that
cloud data centers, or Hyperscalers, can receive these multicast streams on their virtual
machines (VMs) and use them for Video Management System (VMS) applications, all while
maintaining security and operational integrity.
Deliverables
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Background
Challenge / Requirement
Create a simpler and standardized approach to verify the various interfaces of 5G network
components, ensuring consistency and reliability across the board. The approach can use any
opensource code to build the solution. The approach need to be as per ORAN standard.
Deliverables
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Background
Challenge / Requirement
Deliverables
An approach for Simpler 5G UE simulator (Open-source stack) for basic 5G network testing.
UE Sim with SDRs. Can be used for perf testing as well.
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Description (With Technical Specifications)
Background
Industries becoming more cost oriented and need of supplying very highly customized product.
A unique solution of building the Major Metal assemblies using 3D Printing technology is
evolving. But multi-material (combination Materials like in an assembly) is still a challenge to
produce. A PoC or concept to make it practically is an area of exploration in current world.
Challenge / Requirement
Deliverables
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Background
'Latent sentiment or emotions refer to the subtle emotional undertones conveyed in text
without direct expression through explicit words. It's the hidden emotional layer that can be
discerned from the context and the choice of words. For instance, when a machine's function
includes an "occasional oil dip," it may suggest a maintenance issue, even if not stated outright.
Similarly, a sound level of "150 dB" could indicate a problem due to excessive noise, and an
"Error, process halted" message clearly points to a critical issue. The absence of a "Try catch
statement" in Python code implies a potential risk for unhandled exceptions.
Challenge / Requirement
The challenge lies in identifying these latent sentiments. Solution must learn to read between
the lines, understanding that language is not just about what is said, but also what is implied.
For example, the phrase "Machine function, occasional oil dip" subtly hints at a need for
attention, while "Machine function, occasional it sounds 150 dB" suggests a significant issue
with noise levels. "Machine state: Error, process halted" signals a negative situation, and the
lack of a "Try catch statement" in Python code indicates a missing layer of error handling.
Deliverables
May use inter discipline subject principles with AI / Gen AI and expectation is to define the
Emotion behind the phrase e.g.; Machine function, occasional oil dip
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Background
Medical diagnosis systems are increasingly being used to aid healthcare providers in making
decisions. However, these Deep learning systems are often seen as "black boxes" that lack
transparency and interpretability, making it challenging to understand how they reach their
conclusions. This lack of transparency can lead to mistrust and impede the adoption of these
systems in healthcare, where accountability and transparency are crucial.
Challenge / Requirement
1. A practical framework or toolkit for integrating explainability into DL based medical diagnosis
system development, ensuring that it is a fundamental aspect of system design rather than an
afterthought.
2.The demo should cover various approaches to improving transparency and describe their
strengths and weaknesses.
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Background
'Sleep disorder is one of prime health ailments which is significantly impacting the working
population around the world. Research indicates that approximately 8% of working adults
suffer from chronic insomnia 1. Additionally, sleep apnea affects nearly 1 billion people
worldwide, many of whom are part of the working population. These disorders can lead to
reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and presenteeism, resulting in substantial
economic costs.
Challenge / Requirement
1. Develop a sleep therapy method to help patients to fall asleep without significant delay and
remain asleep for a necessary amount of time to feel rested.
2. Find a method to integrate the sleep therapy method with the sleep diagnostic and
monitoring instruments, so that therapy can be applied based on the monitoring parameters.
Deliverables
A product/ Instrument/ Device/ Mechanism that can meet the challenge statement.
15. Workforce efficiency in Factories
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Background
Challenge / Requirement
Develop an AI-driven system that employs computer vision to oversee worker movements in
real-time across the shop floor, especially near hazardous machinery and designated
pathways. This system should facilitate
- live headcounts
- managing crowd /queue management through alerts when a zone exceeds required worker
count
- optimizing labor deployment based on skills and productivity for critical tasks
- enhancing security by detecting trespassing and loitering, with immediate alerts for any
breaches
Deliverables
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Background
Often needed to simulate the vehicle driving control in vehicle system software design cycle.
It is tedious and complex to test each vehicle software change on an actual vehicle. In house
simulation of software on a test bench saves time and cost of development of vehicle solutions.
Challenge / Requirement
Develop a test bench that involves setting up a HIL based vehicle control actuations of throttle,
steering and braking actuation signal simulation.
As part of the test bench, on applying brakes or throttle or steering the driving wheel, the
vehicle control system sends a CAN format message to the Actuation system to convey the
braking, accelerating/decelerating or steering action. On receipt of such CAN messages, the
actuation system must generate the actuation signals connector to brake, steering wheel &
throttle actuators. Road to be sensed from steering wheel. Additionally, as and when such
actuations take place, the vehicle dashboard visualization can come on display monitor screen
to show simulate vehicle forward motion or speed reduce, steering and braking using a
platform such as CARLA.
Deliverables
Demonstrate a fully functional simulation code that manages vehicle control actuations for
throttle, steering, and braking. The code should be able to interpret CAN messages and
translate them into actuation signals. Additionally, provide a visual dashboard interface that
reflects the vehicle's actions in real-time, using a simulation platform like CARLA. This
interface must accurately display the vehicle's motion, speed variations, and responses to
driver inputs such as braking and steering.
17. Development of a Robotic System for Wind Turbine Bolt Inspection
and Maintenance
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Background
Wind Turbine Tower sections are super heavy structures joined together to form a tower on
top of foundation and anchor cage. These sections are bolted together using huge bolts, some
as large as M75, to ensure everything stays in place despite the forces of nature and wear
and tear like rust. These turbines undergo regular manual check-ups which is expensive and
risky.
Challenge / Requirement
Create a robotic system capable of routinely inspecting and securing every nut on the tower's
sections. The robot should be able to move efficiently between sections via platforms
autonomously navigating both around and up the tower sections while ensuring transition from
one area to another
Deliverables
A functional prototype demonstrating the robot's ability to move across sections and perform
nut inspection and tightening tasks is expected along with data logging and ground
connectivity.
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Description (With Technical Specifications)
Background
Wind turbines, as tall and isolated structures, are highly susceptible to lightning damage,
leading to significant economic losses, safety hazards, and operational disruptions. This
challenge seeks innovative solutions for early lightning detection, real-time warning systems,
and robust lightning protection measures to enhance wind turbine reliability and resilience.
Challenge / Requirement
Develop advanced technologies for early detection and effective protection of wind turbines
against lightning strikes. The cost-effective solution should be Innovative with easy to
manufacture, install, maintain et all
Deliverables
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Background
The selection of suitable sites for wind turbine installation is critical for the successful
development of wind energy projects. Factors such as wind speed, terrain, land use, grid
connectivity, environmental impact, and economic considerations play a crucial role in
determining the viability of a site. Traditional site selection methods are often time-consuming,
costly, and rely heavily on expert judgment.
Challenge / Requirement
Develop an AI-driven platform to streamline the wind turbine site selection process by
efficiently analyzing vast amounts of data, including meteorological, geographical, and
regulatory information. The platform should identify optimal sites based on multiple criteria,
such as energy yield, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact. This tool needs to collect
the data related to the wind classes, wind zones, geography, grid connectivity and energy
storage. By Using data analytics this raw data should be converted into actionable insights
and trends.
Deliverables
A prototype would include a user-friendly interface that displays potential wind turbine
locations based on the analyzed data.
- A comprehensive dataset of relevant parameters (wind speed, terrain, land use, grid
infrastructure, environmental factors, etc.)
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Background
'In the realm of medical imaging, specifically CT scans, you might encounter two common
types of disturbances: Poisson noise, which arises due to the statistical nature of photon
detection, and periodic noise, which is often due to the interference of electronic and
mechanical components in the scanner. Understanding and mitigating these noises are crucial
for clearer images that can lead to more accurate diagnoses.
Challenge / Requirement
To create a software tool that can interpret and display CT scan images of the brain,
specifically in the DICOM format. Additionally, you're challenged to design an algorithm that
can effectively reduce two common types of noise in these images—periodic and Poisson—
without compromising the valuable data they contain. This will enhance the clarity of the
images and aid in accurate diagnosis.
Deliverables
Demo of input image (CT Series of brain) display and corresponding denoised output.
SNR details of input and output.
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Background
'The manufacturing of shaving blades requires stringent quality control measures to ensure
product safety and performance. Precise edge detection and measurement are critical for
maintaining blade sharpness and preventing defects. The current process is microscopic edge
damage check where the operator manually checks and records the quality data and take
action if needed.
Challenge / Requirement
Design and construct a device that leverages cutting-edge technology to automate the
detection of edge discontinuities and damages in blades. The device should be capable of
analyzing 24 uncoated blades placed on a fixture with the simple press of a button, identifying
and quantifying any imperfections along the blade edges. This project aims to innovate beyond
the current manual microscope-based inspection methods, enhancing efficiency and precision
in defect detection.
Deliverables
1. Go/No Go Criteria:
A technology to capture all the critical & major blade defects - technology must be capable of
capturing the defects and clear distinction to be done by inspecting the images.
2. Software:
Be able to detect any discontinuity in the edge from images of edge captured by a technology
Be able to measure linear dimensions of discontinuity or defect from images of edge captured
Be able to measure angular variation of discontinuity or defect from images of edge captured
Inspection data should directly go into database and available for analysis of defects.
Number of rejects in one edge, i.e., how many sections of edge during detection got rejected.
Total number of rejected blades in the set of 24 naked blades and highlight which among the
24 blades is rejected.
A PoC demonstrating the design, the technology used, and the operation of the device. It
should include schematics, code, and algorithms that drive the automation.
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Background
'Creating numerical data, it's not as straightforward as generating text or images because the
numbers must make statistical sense. The challenge is that the existing methods might not be
up to par for producing numerical datasets that hold up to rigorous statistical standards.
Creating numerical data, it's not as straightforward as generating text or images because the
numbers must make statistical sense. The current available current methods may not be
sufficient to generate statistically relevant numerical data.
Challenge / Requirement
Design a system that utilizes generative AI to produce synthetic numerical datasets, which
can be employed by machine learning models, based on a limited set of real data. The system
should also incorporate a mechanism to assess the quality of the synthetic data generated.
Deliverables
A fully functional prototype of the AI-based system that can generate and evaluate synthetic
numerical data.
Nature of Challenge
Product Related
Tech
Background
'In the media and video industry, managing content is a significant hurdle. Various platforms
distribute videos from businesses and individuals, which are available globally to viewers of
all ages. Occasionally, these videos may contain unsuitable material or breach copyright laws.
Content moderation involves both automated and manual methods due to the vast volume of
videos that require review. The sheer scale of data makes it unfeasible to rely solely on human
moderation. Continuous video uploads necessitate automated systems to prevent delays in
flagging objectionable content.
Challenge / Requirement
Create a content moderation system capable of real-time video analysis. It must effectively
detect and address any unsuitable or restricted content within videos, taking into account the
vast and unending stream of uploads. It's essential to harmonize automated precision with the
discernment of human oversight, all while adhering to the complex web of international
copyright regulations and content standards for diverse audiences worldwide.
Deliverables
A prototype that should be demonstrable, showcasing its ability to analyze and flag content in
real-time, with an emphasis on the balance between automation and human review.