About Bonfiglioli National Hackathon

In collaboration, the Chennai Institute of Technology and Bonfiglioli are hosting the Smart Motion Hackathon 2.0. This event invites innovators to reimagine the future of sustainable motion and intelligent automation. This year's themes Next-Gen Electric Motor Design without Rare Earths and Smart Automation for AGVs and Robotics focus on advancing efficiency, safety, and scalability through cutting-edge engineering and simulation. Join us to build technologies that power a smarter, greener industrial future.

About

Chennai Institute of Technology Group of Institutions is renowned for its practical education and consistent top rankings in Tamil Nadu. By partnering with numerous companies, it offers students diverse educational and recreational opportunities.

Bonfiglioli is a global leader in the power transmission industry. A highly-reputed manufacturer and distributor, it specialises in wind and mobility, discrete manufacturing and process, mechatronic and motion systems.

PROBLEM STATEMENTS

TOPIC 1

Next-Gen Electric Motor Design without Rare Earths for sustainable future

Conceptualize and simulate a high-efficiency (IE2, IE3,IE4–IE5) electric motor for industrial drive applications (1500–4000 rpm), traction, wind turbine, without using rare-earth magnets. Focus on compact architecture, superior thermal stability, and intelligent sensor integration (temperature, speed, position). The design should ensure manufacturability, scalability, and sustainability for real-world deployment.
Bonus: Develop a functional prototype showcasing innovation in energy efficiency and environmental impact.

TOPIC 2

Intelligent Automation through Smart Software & Simulation of Factory Systems, Robotics, and AGVs

Design and develop intelligent software and control algorithms for Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and industrial robots to transform warehouse and shop-floor material handling. The focus should be on real-time simulation, path planning, adaptive control, and smart sensor integration to enable autonomous navigation, collision avoidance, and enhanced operational flexibility. The project should also aim to simplify integration between AGVs, robots, ERP and WMS systems, delivering simulation models or working prototypes that demonstrate improved efficiency, safety, and automation intelligence.