> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guide.mlh.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guide.mlh.com/hardware-hackathon-guide/challenges.md).

# Challenges

Challenges are optional or required tracks that include specific criteria or resources for eligibility. They help guide participants toward specific technologies or applications.

### Hardware Challenge Examples

* Wearable Tech - textiles, health monitoring
* Assistive Devices - smart devices, accessible living, fall detection
* IoT and Automation - smart automation
* Efficient fabrication/design - minimal material use, compact housings
* Using specialized hardware - integrating sponsored components, using new/recent hardware When defining challenges, encourage teams to use modular mounting solutions to keep components secure and organized. It may help improve the durability of a project, which is often tested when projects need to be moved for judging/expo.