The Smart India Hackathon, or SIH 2024, provides participants with an array of hidden problem statements to solve. Each of these problem statements is marked as either hardware or software challenges. Some classifications may not accurately reflect the true nature of these issues, presenting participants with opportunities to tailor solutions more strategically for success. Below are 7 problem statements from Smart India Hackathon 2024 that have been mislabeled as such and offer you the chance to do just that.

SIH 2024 Implies That these Hidden Problem Statements Can be Exploited

1. PS: SIH 1731

The problem statement is misrepresented as software, but hardware solutions are really required.

Title: SolarQuest – Innovation to Capture More Sunlight and Increase Energy
Description: The challenge involves designing controllers for solar trackers that optimize the angle of incidence between solar panels and sunlight. The task requires a simulation-based control system that can manage mechanical axes (azimuth, elevation, roll) and possibly deploy the system on low-cost hardware for prototype demonstrations.
Justification: While the problem statement is marked as software, it inherently involves significant hardware components. Since solar tracking systems are tangible devices, they require mechanical parts and controllers to function in the correct manner. The software aspect is crucial for simulation and control, but the core of this Solarquest challenge lies in developing or enhancing hardware systems to capture more sunlight and increase energy.

2. PS: SIH 1524-1525

Although these models were initially identified as having both hardware and software capabilities, most of their real value lies in their software-only capabilities.

Title of Project: Promoting Sustainability with Home Appliances (Refrigerators, Air Conditioners, Washing Machines and Desert Air Coolers)
Description: Our aim is to achieve sustainability through innovative systems that maximize energy and water usage in home appliances, thus decreasing environmental impact.
Justification: While often seen as requiring both hardware and software solutions, this challenge can actually be overcome using software alone. With advanced IoT platforms and AI-driven algorithms to optimize resource use and limited hardware involvement – typically embedded sensors in smart appliances themselves – advanced solutions may provide optimal resource usage with minimal need for additional equipment or sensors.

3. PS: SIH 1563

The hidden problem statements are marked as hardware but require software solutions.

Title: Automatic Change Detection in Synthetic Aperture Radar Satellite Images
Description: This SIH 2024 challenge seeks to identify man-made changes in SAR satellite images while filtering out natural ones, such as water bodies, snow cover changes and forest changes. A solution should generate geographically referenced vector files (shapefiles/geojson files) detailing these detected changes.
Justification: While this task is listed under hardware, most of its focus lies on developing sophisticated software algorithms for image processing and change detection. Google Earth Engine presents an opportunity for software development without a physical component required. No hardware component should be present as part of this challenge.

4. PS: SIH 1565

Although the hidden problem statements are marked as hardware, software is required.

Title: Target Detection by Optimizing Anomaly Detection in Hyperspectral Image Processing Using AI/ML
Description: This problem statement requires the optimization of anomaly detection in hyperspectral images using AI/ML techniques, aiming to identify spectrally distinct pixels for target detection.
Justification: While classified under hardware, the real challenge lies in software development—particularly in AI/ML model creation for hyperspectral data analysis. The hardware component is minimal and primarily involves data acquisition, which is not the focus of the task. The core deliverable is a software solution capable of processing and analyzing hyperspectral data efficiently.

5. PS: SIH 1562

The hidden problem statements were initially marked as “Hardware/Software/Chemical,” yet in actuality most of it is software related.

Title: Solution for End-to-End Tracking of Dual-Use Chemicals
Description: This challenge involves creating a comprehensive tracking system for dual-use precursor chemicals from manufacturing to end-use, ensuring they are not diverted for illicit drug production.
Justification: Although marked as hardware, software, and chemical, the solution can be effectively realized through software alone. Blockchain technology and advanced database systems can track and monitor the movement of these chemicals. It doesn’t require any extensive hardware or chemical processes. A software-based solution could provide secure, transparent tracking, minimizing the need for hardware interventions.

6. PS: SIH 1544

The project is marked as Hardware but will actually use software (Fusion Software)

Title: “Using Fusion Software to Generate NC Code for Industrial Components”
Description: Participants in the Fusion Software challenge are expected to create NC codes with machine details and tool libraries for industrial components using Fusion Software. This will demonstrate their knowledge of CAD/CAM programming, G-code programming, and machining.
Justification: Although labelled a hardware challenge, this problem lies more with software utilization, such as Fusion’s CAD/CAM software. Generating tool paths and NC code are software tasks. Physical machining may be minimized as simulation and programming make up most of this challenge’s tasks.

7. PS: SIH 1563

The hidden problem statements are marked as software, but they actually require hardware or software hybrid.

Title: Enhancing SAR Satellite Image Change Detection with AI
Description: This challenge involves using AI to improve change detection in SAR satellite images. The focus will be on detecting man-made changes while filtering out natural variations.
Justification: While marked as software, this problem could benefit from hardware enhancements. AI processors or FPGA-based accelerators could process large datasets more efficiently. However, since it’s categorized as software-only, participants can focus on the AI model development, optimizing it for existing hardware platforms without the need to delve into hardware innovation.

Conclusion: Hidden Problem Statements In SIH 2024

The Smart India Hackathon 2024 offers many opportunities for creativity and innovation. However, understanding the true nature of the hidden problem statements can give participants a distinct competitive edge. Recognizing any misclassifications within these challenges and tailoring your approach to address only those aspects that are most significant will potentially reduce the workload while increasing the chances of success in the upcoming SIH 2024. Whether this involves changing hardware challenges into software solutions or exploiting misclassification to focus on more manageable elements of tasks, such insights may prove pivotal on your SIH 2024 journey.

To gain more information and insightful knowledge regarding the upcoming Smart India Hackathon 2024, stay in touch with ThoughtsRevoked because we only offer the best solutions for you.