Ask HN: Embedded Programming Project Ideas?

This year I have an embedded system course in bachelors program I am studying. I have to do a small project on the topic.

In general the course has an IoT/smart things hype train part to it. But I'd like to do something which is challenging on systems programming front.

Any innovative project ideas? I am asking it on HN because I am bored of all these 101th smart internet connected LED bulb stuff.

More specifics: My interest something that focuses on assembly / embedded C-C++ programming, operating systems stuff, because those are some topics I grew very interested in. But feel free to suggest any ideas, someone may find this thread useful.