This independent project program, offered over a single semester, focuses on the complete design, fabrication, and testing of a custom automated factory for producing fried shallots. The program is structured into two complementary modules that cover the entire production pipeline. The first module is dedicated to the initial preprocessing stages, which include the automated washing, peeling, drying, and slicing of shallots. The second module tackles the subsequent cooking and finishing stages, encompassing the processes of water spinning to remove excess moisture, mixing with flour, deep frying, oil spinning to drain excess oil, and final air cooling. This holistic approach provides students with a rare, end-to-end understanding of food processing automation, aligning with experiential learning goals for Industry 4.0.
The core learning objectives for students are multifaceted, targeting both technical prowess and essential professional skills. By the project’s conclusion, participants will gain a deep mechanical and electrical understanding of each automated process. They will develop practical competency in using SolidWorks for both 2D and 3D machine design, learn to create optimized process flows with capacity calculations, and be able to design automatic control systems via electrical schematics. Crucially, the project is designed to foster soft skills equally, emphasizing effective teamwork across disciplines, clear oral and written communication, and the application of professional project management tools like WBS, Gantt charts, and RACI matrices throughout the 16-week schedule.
The project follows a rigorous, phase-gated format that mirrors professional engineering practice. The semester begins with team formation and specification planning, followed by iterative cycles of mechanical and electronic design, evaluation, and refinement using CAD software. The midterm examination serves as a critical design review, where final 3D models, 2D drawings, and Bill of Materials (BOM) are evaluated. The latter half of the semester is dedicated to hands-on fabrication, where teams build the frame, mechanical components, and electronic control systems. The program culminates in durability testing, final product evaluation, and a comprehensive report presentation, with the final exam assessing individual contribution and understanding. Student performance is evaluated with equal weight given to technical hard skills and collaborative soft skills, ensuring graduates are not only capable engineers but also effective team players prepared for the modern automated industry.