Sponsored by: Andean Alliance for Sustainable Development
Project Summary
The current methods for coffee quality analysis used by AASD to provide feedback to local farmers are extremely time-consuming. Our project aims to streamline this process, enabling AASD to analyze a greater number of samples, thereby extending support to more farmers. Comprising three modules, the project accepts samples of 350 grams of beans in the parchment stage. Module one addresses the removal of parchment, a papery substance on the beans. Module two incorporates a rotating mesh drum to sift out beans smaller than a 15mm circumference, since smaller beans roast at a faster rate and will burn when roasted with larger ones. The third module integrates machine learning for defect identification and outputs a detailed report of bean defects, facilitating informed feedback from AASD to farmers. This feedback loop enables farmers to enhance their coffee quality and increase their revenue.
Design Goal
Our objective is to equip Peruvian coffee farmers with the necessary tools to advocate for equitable compensation and to provide them with constructive feedback for enhancing the quality of their coffee bean harvest.
Design Constraints
- BATCH SIZE: Accepts 350 grams of hulled beans
- HULLING: Removes parchment without damaging beans
- REMOVAL: Sifts beans through 15mm circumference screen
- IDENTIFICATION: Outputs data on defects with 90% accuracy
- LOGISTICS: Can be transported to and repaired in Peru
- IMPACT: Culturally appropriate to local farmers
Senior Design Team visits Machu Picchu
Members of the Project Team
Student Team:
- Noah Link - Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Cienna Becker - Major: Computer Engineering
- Claire Bentfield - Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Martin Rios De La Rosa - Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Blake Blattner - Major: Mechanical Engineering
Industry Representatives: Aaron Ebner and Luke Agness
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Brittany Nelson-Cheeseman
Pictured left to right: Noah Link, Cienna Becker, Claire Bentfield, Martin Rios de la Rosa, Blake Blattner