SIH26112HardwareRobotics and Drones
₹1,50,000 Prize (₹75k Joint)
•
Deadline: 20 September 2026
•
Submitted Ideas: 0/500

Design and Develop a Modular Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) Platform for Smart Warehouse Automation

Ministry / Organization: Autodesk
Department: Autodesk Education Experience
Technical Complexity
8/10
Dataset Accessibility
7/10
36h Hackathon Viability
9/10
Step 0 • Zero-Jargon Layman Summary

“You need to design a versatile, modular robot base that can carry different tools, like a Swiss Army knife for warehouses. Using Autodesk Fusion, you will create a lightweight, strong chassis that can be easily 3D printed and customized for tasks like moving boxes or scanning inventory.”

The DecodeX PS Decoder™

Deconstructed Problem Blueprint

Step 1

WHAT TO BUILD?

A modular Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) chassis design and one specialized functional attachment, optimized for additive manufacturing using Autodesk Fusion.

Step 2

WHO IS IT FOR?

Warehouse managers, logistics companies, and e-commerce fulfillment centers looking to automate repetitive manual labor.

Step 3

WHY DOES IT EXIST?

Current warehouse robots are often rigid, expensive, and difficult to reconfigure. There is a need for a 'universal' platform that can adapt to changing warehouse needs without replacing the entire machine.

Step 4

INPUT → PROCESS → OUTPUT ARCHITECTURE PIPELINE

01 • Inputs & Telemetry

Design constraints (payload, dimensions), material properties, and specific warehouse task requirements (e.g., bin picking).

02 • Processing & AI Core

Generative design iterations, topology optimization for weight reduction, additive manufacturing simulation, and structural stress analysis in Fusion.

03 • Actionable Deliverables

A validated 3D CAD model, simulation reports proving structural integrity, and a 3D-printed scaled prototype.

Step 5

CONSTRAINTS

  • Must use Autodesk Fusion exclusively.
  • Design must be optimized for additive manufacturing (3D printing).
  • Must demonstrate modularity (easy attachment swapping).
  • Must balance structural strength with material efficiency (weight reduction).
  • Grand Finale requires physical 3D-printed scaled components.
Step 6

JURY METRICS

  • Weight-to-payload ratio efficiency.
  • Ease of modular attachment mechanism (tool-less swap time).
  • Structural integrity under simulated load.
  • Innovation in generative design application.
  • Quality and precision of the final 3D-printed prototype.
Step 7

CORE BOTTLENECK

Achieving a truly 'universal' modular interface that remains structurally sound under varying loads while being optimized for 3D printing constraints.

Why You Should Choose This PS (Pros)

  • Clear, tangible deliverables (CAD files + 3D prints).
  • High 'wow' factor with Generative Design visuals.
  • Strong alignment with Autodesk's ecosystem and industry standards.
  • Hardware-focused, which is often less crowded than pure software tracks.

Challenges & Risks to Watch (Cons)

  • Requires high proficiency in Autodesk Fusion.
  • Physical 3D printing requires access to hardware and material costs.
  • Iterative design cycles can be time-consuming.
Hackathon Blueprint

Recommended Tech Stack & Grand Finale Features

Frontend & Mobile
Not applicable (Hardware focus)
Backend & APIs
Not applicable (Hardware focus)
AI / ML & Models
Autodesk Fusion Generative Design algorithms
Database & Cloud
Autodesk Cloud / Fusion Team

Killer Features to Impress the SIH Jury

Quick-release magnetic or mechanical locking system for modules.
Generative-designed organic structures that reduce weight by 30%+ compared to traditional boxy designs.
Integrated cable management channels within the chassis frame.
A 'Digital Twin' simulation showing the robot performing a task in a virtual warehouse.
View Official SIH 2026 Portal Raw Text
▼
•Description Research and develop a concept design of a warehouse automation robot platform and a modular attachment for it, using Autodesk Fusion. Re-imagine their design and optimize for additive manufacturing.

The idea submission consists of two mandatory concept development challenges:

Part A – Universal Mobile Robot Platform (AGV/AMR Base)

Develop a concept design of a universal Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) / Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) chassis that serves as a common mobile platform for warehouse automation. The platform should support multiple interchangeable attachments while considering structural integrity, payload capacity, weight reduction, modularity, manufacturability, and ease of maintenance.

Part B – Modular Functional Attachments Develop a concept design for any one modular attachment that integrates with the universal platform to perform specific warehouse automation tasks. Example attachments include bin handling, pallet handling, conveyor transfer, robotic picking, inventory scanning, inspection, or any other innovative warehouse automation module.

Students should use Fusion features such as Generative Design, Topology Optimization, Additive Build, and Simulation. The redesigned components should demonstrate innovation, enhanced functionality, improved efficiency, and optimized material usage while being suitable for additive manufacturing.

•Participation Guidelines For Idea Submission
•Each student team should submit Fusion public link of the Conceptual Design as described in Part-A and Part-B of the above problem statement and a PowerPoint presentation (5-7 Slides).
•Designs should be created using ONLY Autodesk Fusion and not copied or taken from any other source.
•AI Generated content is NOT ALLOWED.

For Grand Finale*: Students must use Autodesk Fusion to design, and 3D print final design of specific components (scaled down to machine size) within the given time period and present the following to the jury members:

•PPT explaining the final project
•Final 3D prints
•Public link of the design
•Rendered images NOTE: *Grand Finale details to be revealed on competition day.
•Attach Marking Criteria Table here*
•Faculty (SIH SPOC) Form Teams choosing to submit idea for Autodesk’s problem statement are required to request their faculty (SIH SPOC) to fill this 'Mandatory Form'.
•Autodesk Fusion
•Autodesk Fusion combines Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) capabilities with Generative Design features. It allows users to optimize designs for 3D printing, generate support structures, and explore numerous design options using algorithms. This integration enables the creation of complex and optimized parts using 3D printing technologies.
•Students and educators can click Here to get FREE access to Fusion.