Srinagar, Mar 29: In a major technological breakthrough, the National Institute of Technology Srinagar has secured a patent for an innovative system aimed at modernising the traditional Hamaam through artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT)-based automation.
The patented invention, titled “An Automated Temperature Control System for Underfloor Heating,” has been developed by Dr. Saniya Zahoor, Dr. Shabir A. Sofi, and Syed Farmaan Ali from the Department of Information Technology and Engineering.
Traditional Hamaam, widely used in Kashmir and other cold regions, has long served as an essential source of indoor heating during harsh winters.
However, conventional systems require continuous manual monitoring and often lead to inefficient fuel use. The new system addresses these limitations by combining smart technologies with traditional heating.
According to the inventors, the system employs IoT-enabled sensors and AI algorithms to regulate underfloor heating in real time.
It incorporates an automated hopper mechanism that controls the supply of ignition material into a combustion chamber beneath the floor. The system continuously monitors environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed to ensure optimal performance.
An AI-driven module determines fuel requirements dynamically, activating the fuel feed mechanism as needed to optimise energy use and minimise wastage.
The system also features a controlled ignition unit and a motorised ash-removal mechanism, ensuring cleaner and more efficient operation. Additionally, it enables precise temperature and humidity control based on user preferences and ambient conditions.
Officials said the innovation significantly reduces human intervention while enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and user comfort. The AI-enabled system is expected to improve the overall heating experience while promoting sustainable energy use.
The development marks a significant contribution by NIT Srinagar in leveraging advanced technology to solve region-specific challenges. With its focus on automation, efficiency, and sustainability, the patented system has the potential to transform traditional heating practices in cold climates.
Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, said the patent reflects the institute’s commitment to innovation rooted in local needs.
“Integrating artificial intelligence with traditional systems like the Hamaam demonstrates how technology can preserve cultural practices while enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability,” he said.
In her message, In-charge Director and Dean Research and Consultancy, Prof. Roohie Naaz Mir said such initiatives encourage faculty and students to develop indigenous technologies tailored to local requirements. It further strengthens NIT Srinagar’s role as a hub of impactful and socially relevant research,” she said.
Institute’s Registrar, Prof. Atikur Rehman, said that innovation is a significant step towards developing smart, energy-efficient solutions for cold regions.
“Such research-driven advancements not only address real-world challenges but also strengthen the institute’s contribution to technological progress and sustainable development,” he added.
