TofuExpress

TofuExpress: From block to perfectly pressed, cut, and seasoned tofu—automatically.

Comment

Inspiration

As a vegan, tofu is one of my main sources of protein, but preparing it is very time-consuming. Pressing tofu alone can take 20+ minutes, and that’s before cutting and seasoning. Our team wanted to automate this process to make accessing environmentally friendly, plant-based protein easier and more convenient. That idea led to TofuExpress: a machine that handles the entire prep process for you.

What it does

TofuExpress is an automated tofu preparation device that:

  • Presses tofu to remove excess water
  • Cuts it evenly
  • Seasons it based on user preference

Users can select how much of each sauce component (like soy sauce or sesame oil) they want, creating a customizable experience.

How we built it

We combined hardware and software:

  • Designed the full system using CAD
  • 3D printed most of the structural components
  • Used an Arduino Mega as the control system
  • Integrated stepper motors, servos, and actuators for movement
  • Built a user interface that allows sauce selection and guides the process

Challenges we ran into

This project was much harder than it initially seemed. Some of the biggest challenges included:

  • Fitting all components into a very compact space
  • Designing a complex CAD model that actually works mechanically
  • Creating a system where the cutter and pressing platen could move together (we ended up using springs to solve this)
  • Designing reliable mechanisms for fluid control and valve operation

Accomplishments that we're proud of

  • A clean and visually appealing CAD design
  • A functional and intuitive user interface
  • A complete system that integrates pressing, cutting, and seasoning
  • Clean graphic design that makes the project look polished

What we learned

  • How to better anticipate complexity in engineering design
  • The importance of iteration, testing, and trial-and-error
  • How to deal with setbacks and keep improving
  • How much detail goes into turning a simple idea into a working system

What's next for TofuExpress

We’re excited to keep improving the project:

  • Develop a mobile app to notify users when their tofu is ready
  • Increase reliability of the mechanical and fluid systems
  • Reduce the size and improve the overall form factor

Built With

Share this project:

Updates