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Both innovations are examples of appropriate technology developed to address fundamental issues in the agricultural sector and among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Mobile Corn Dryer

The Mobile Corn Dryer (MCD) is a portable drying unit that plays a vital role in post-harvest processing. It enables farmers to dry their corn crops more quickly, efficiently, and easily.

With minor modifications, the tool can also be adapted for other agricultural commodities. This is especially valuable for farmers, as high moisture content in harvested crops often presents challenges for storage and distribution.

With properly dried corn, farmers can maintain quality and homogeneity, allowing for longer storage without degradation. When market prices fall, farmers can store the dried corn and wait for prices to stabilize.

The MCD, a collaborative development by the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FMAE), the School of Electrical Engineering and Informatics (SEEI), and PT Charoen Pokphand Indonesia (CPI), features a drying speed of 10% per hour with a 1-ton capacity. It can operate with loads as small as 3 tons, run continuously for up to 10 hours, and requires only two operators.

Dehydrator Drying Machine

The Dehydrator Drying Machine is designed to process a variety of commodities, including turmeric, jicama, sweet potatoes, raspberries, chilies, fish, and ginger. It provides a solution to the challenges associated with traditional sun-drying methods, such as limited heat duration, contamination risks, and inconsistent product quality.

This machine offers multiple advantages: it extends shelf life, maintains flavor, texture, and nutritional content, minimizes waste by enabling the production of high-value dried products, opens access to new and export markets, and allows for greater product diversification.

In addition to its efficiency, the machine minimizes heat waste, making it an energy-friendly solution for MSMEs engaged in processing agricultural and dried food products.

Both tools are distributed by PT Rekacipta Inovasi ITB and have been utilized in 11 provinces across Sumatra, Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, and Kalimantan.

The MCD and Dehydrator were showcased at the launch of the Strategic Program to Accelerate the Establishment of Village Cooperatives (KDMP), held at the Indoor Hall of Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Soreang, Bandung Regency, on Thursday, May 15, 2025. The event was attended by the Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan.

The Coordinating Minister reviewed and expressed appreciation for the two tools, recognizing their potential to strengthen food security in Indonesia.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Zulfiadi, S.T., M.T., Director of Community Service and Expertise Services at ITB, stated that ITB not only focuses on advancing scientific research, but also strives to be an institution that creates a direct impact on society.

“ITB supports the creation of an innovation ecosystem that is beneficial to society. We continue to strengthen collaboration with local and provincial governments, companies, and industries to ensure that innovations do not remain confined to laboratories, but are implemented where they are most needed,” he said.

Through the exhibition of these tools, ITB encourages the use of technology as a backbone for strengthening the local economy. The institute remains committed to forging cross-sector partnerships to produce tangible, relevant, and sustainable solutions. By integrating diverse fields of knowledge, innovation, and community service, ITB aims to serve as a catalyst for positive change across various sectors of national development.

Translator: Nafiah Rahni Nugrahanti (Civil Engineering Student, 2023).