Automated Koji-making System
Automated koji-making system
Japanese: 自動製麹装置（じどうせいきくそうち）
Modern koji-making equipment with automatic temperature and humidity control.
Automated koji-making systems manufacture large quantities of koji with automatic temperature, humidity, and ventilation control. Tasks that required overnight human monitoring in the koji room are now handled by sensors and computers.
Various designs: rotary drum, ventilated, belt conveyor. Automation improves labor conditions and quality stability. However, reproducing the subtle flavors of handmade koji-buta methods remains challenging. Research seeking the optimum between efficiency and flavor continues.
Latest automated koji systems incorporate IoT sensors monitoring temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels in real time. Data-driven process control enables stable production without relying solely on artisan intuition. Yet final quality judgment still involves human senses. Machine-human collaboration is the ideal.