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Improving efficiency in production processes is paramount for businesses across various industries. Especially for the Food and Beverage (FnB) sector, improving efficiency in production processes is crucial for companies across multiple industries. Especially for FnB business, onion is an essential ingredient in countless dishes, making its procurement and processing critical for operational success.
To enhance its production of it, the business has to invest in automation machines. Automating onion peeling, slicing, and dicing can reduce labour costs and increase throughput. Modern machinery designed for onion processing can handle large volumes efficiently, ensuring consistent quality and reducing human error.
Recognising this, a team of students from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) has developed an innovative solution to enhance efficiency in the onion processing sector. The technology is called an automatic onion peeler and cutter.
Led by M Aldi Nugroho, five Industrial Chemical Engineering Department students at ITS conceptualised and designed this device. Aldi elaborated on the mechanism, stating that the machine employs a motor to facilitate the peeling of onion skins. “The motor facilitates the onions’ contact within the machine, leading to the removal of the epidermis,” explained Aldi.
Moreover, Aldi highlighted that the device utilises a water flow system to separate the peeled onion skins efficiently. The team integrated a circulation pump into the design to minimise water consumption, allowing for water reuse—an environmentally friendly feature.
Once the onion skin separation process is completed, Aldi outlined that the device proceeds to the cutting phase. To cater to user preferences, the team incorporated an adjustable thickness feature under the supervision of lecturer Daril Ridho Yusrillah ST MT. “Users can adjust the onion cutting thickness to 1, 2, or 3 millimetres according to their requirements,” Aldi stated.
In addition to these features, Aldi mentioned that the device is equipped with advanced technologies, such as a Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) battery and a proximity sensor. The VRLA battery is a backup power source in case of a power outage, ensuring uninterrupted operation for up to two hours. “The proximity sensor detects the tank volume, enabling the device to halt the process when it reaches its maximum capacity,” Aldi further explained.
Targeting businesses engaged in onion processing, such as fried onion manufacturers and caterers, Aldi emphasised that the device will significantly boost efficiency and productivity. The ability to automate the peeling and cutting processes streamlines operations, ultimately leading to cost savings and increased output for these businesses.
“We make the business more productive and seamless by leveraging technology, optimising processes, and empowering entrepreneurs,” Aldi asserted.
The innovative efforts of Aldi and his team have been recognised, earning them a medal at the 36th National Student Scientific Week in the presentation category of the Student Creativity Programme-Innovative Works (PKM-KI). This achievement marks a milestone in Aldi’s journey, showcasing the impact of his innovative efforts and dedication to excellence.
Looking ahead, Aldi revealed plans to develop the device further by establishing a startup focused on onion processing, particularly in the peeling and cutting segment. “This venture will capitalise on our innovation to address the needs of the onion processing industry,” Aldi concluded.
“Our device has already proven its effectiveness, but we’re committed to further refining and optimising its capabilities to meet the specific needs of onion processors.” He elaborated on the startup’s vision, emphasising its commitment to driving efficiency, reducing labour costs, and minimising waste in onion processing operations.
The automatic onion peeler and cutter developed by Aldi’s team exemplify the transformative potential of digital technology in enhancing efficiency and productivity in the agricultural processing sector. With its innovative features and sustainable design, the device promises to revolutionise onion processing operations, benefiting businesses and consumers.
