ChilliXtract: Automated Dry Chilli Cutting & Seed Extraction System
UiTM Cawangan Johor, Kampus Pasir Gudang
No views · Published October 2, 2026
About the Project
Dry chilli preparation is an essential step in many food-processing applications; however, conventional cutting and seed separation are commonly performed manually, making the process time-consuming, labour-intensive, and dependent on repetitive handling. This study presents ChilliXtract, an automated dry chilli cutting and seed extraction system developed to integrate two key processing operations into a single compact system. The proposed system aims to minimise manual intervention while providing a more practical and efficient approach to dry chilli preparation. The development process involved conceptual design, component selection, system fabrication, assembly, and functional evaluation of the prototype. ChilliXtract was designed to receive dried chillies, perform the cutting process, and subsequently facilitate the separation of chilli seeds from the processed material through an integrated operating mechanism. Prototype evaluation demonstrated the feasibility of combining the cutting and seed extraction processes within a single automated system, providing a practical alternative to conventional manual preparation. The system has potential to reduce repetitive manual handling, simplify processing procedures, and improve overall workflow efficiency. Beyond its practical application, ChilliXtract provides an educational platform for integrating mechanical design, automation, manufacturing, and food-processing concepts within an engineering project. The proposed innovation also has potential for further optimisation and adaptation for small-scale food processors, household-based food businesses, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Future development may focus on improving processing capacity, separation effectiveness, operational consistency, safety, and scalability towards commercial application. Overall, ChilliXtract demonstrates the potential of a compact automated approach to support more efficient and user-friendly dry chilli processing. Keywords: automated chilli processing; dry chilli cutting; seed extraction; food-processing automation; prototype development; SME