NIT Srinagar Secures Patent for AI-Driven Smart Hamaam to Modernise Traditional Heating | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The National Institute of Technology Srinagar says it has achieved a significant technological milestone by securing a patent for an innovative system designed to modernise the traditional Hamaam through the integration of artificial intelligence and Internet of Things-based automation. The patented invention, officially titled “An Automated Temperature Control System for Underfloor Heating,” was developed by a research team from the Department of Information Technology and Engineering, including Dr Saniya Zahoor, Dr Shabir A Sofi, and Syed Farmaan Ali.

While the traditional Hamaam has long served as a vital source of indoor heating in Kashmir and other cold regions during harsh winters, conventional versions of these systems have historically required continuous manual monitoring and often suffered from inefficient fuel consumption. This newly developed system directly addresses these limitations by merging smart technologies with traditional heating methods. According to the inventors, the system utilises IoT-enabled sensors and AI algorithms to regulate underfloor heating in real time. It features an automated hopper mechanism that precisely manages the supply of ignition material into a combustion chamber located beneath the floor.

The technology continuously monitors a variety of environmental parameters, such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed, to ensure optimal performance at all times. An AI-driven module determines fuel requirements dynamically and activates the fuel feed mechanism as required to optimise energy use and minimise wastage. Furthermore, the system incorporates a controlled ignition unit and a motorised ash-removal mechanism, which results in a cleaner and more efficient operation than traditional methods. Users are also granted the ability to maintain precise control over temperature and humidity based on their personal preferences and the surrounding ambient conditions.

Institute officials stated that this innovation significantly reduces the need for human intervention while simultaneously enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and user comfort. The AI-enabled system is expected to improve the overall heating experience and promote more sustainable energy practices. Director of NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, remarked that the patent reflects the institute’s commitment to innovation rooted in local needs, noting that the integration of artificial intelligence with traditional systems demonstrates how technology can preserve cultural practices while enhancing efficiency.

Supporting this sentiment, In-charge Director and Dean of Research and Consultancy, Prof. Roohie Naaz Mir, said that such initiatives encourage the development of indigenous technologies tailored to local requirements, further strengthening the institute’s role as a hub for socially relevant research. Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman added that this advancement represents a significant step towards creating smart, energy-efficient solutions for cold regions and addresses real-world challenges through research-driven progress.