Sorting Robotics is innovating the cannabis manufacturing industry by automating the pre-roll production process, addressing key challenges in quality control and efficiency. The company’s technology specifically focuses on the infusion of cannabis concentrates into pre-rolls, a complex task that is difficult to perform manually.
The production of cannabis products follows a well-defined sequence: from cultivation and drying to trimming, curing, and finally packaging. Sorting Robotics aims to optimize the pre-roll stage of this process, which plays a significant role in the cannabis market. Founder Nohtal Partansky highlights that infusing cannabis concentrate into pre-rolls is one of the most challenging steps due to the delicate nature of the materials involved.
To tackle this challenge, Sorting Robotics has developed two main systems: the JIKO robot and the Stardust coating system. The JIKO robot specializes in internal infusion, injecting concentrated cannabis oils and waxes directly into pre-rolls. Meanwhile, Stardust is designed for external infusion, allowing manufacturers to enhance the flavor and potency of their pre-rolls. This dual approach provides a comprehensive solution for pre-roll production, increasing product variety and quality.
The engineering behind Sorting Robotics’ systems revolves around a variety of mechanical components designed for specific applications. Each system utilizes electromechanical devices, microcontrollers, and heating algorithms to maintain precision during the manufacturing process. Robotic arms are employed to ensure careful handling of products, minimizing contamination risks that can occur during manual processes. Partansky notes that the specialized end effector designed for the JIKO robot was one of the few components that met their requirements on the first attempt, simplifying the integration of automation into cannabis manufacturing.
A notable innovation from Sorting Robotics is the collet pod, which addresses the challenge of securely handling pre-rolls. This device allows for precise gripping of the joint while avoiding interference with areas that require infusion. By using magnetic actuation and gravity to enhance the design, the collet pod reduces the complexity typically associated with mechanical systems, allowing for safer and cleaner operations.
Partansky’s background as an aerospace engineer has informed the design principles of Sorting Robotics’ systems. Having worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, he applied high-precision engineering techniques to the cannabis sector, emphasizing user-friendly designs for manufacturing workers rather than scientists. This focus on usability helps ensure that the automation systems are accessible to a wide range of operators in the cannabis industry.
Initially, Sorting Robotics was focused on developing a robotic card sorting device for trading cards before pivoting to cannabis automation in 2020. The decision to enter the cannabis market was influenced by the realization that the scaling potential for their previous project was limited. Now, the company targets the rapidly growing cannabis pre-roll segment, which represents a significant portion of the cannabis market.
In an evolving industry characterized by regulatory complexity, Sorting Robotics continues to prioritize compliance and quality in their automated solutions. The advancements made by Sorting Robotics reflect broader trends in the cannabis industry as businesses increasingly adopt automation to enhance productivity and product quality. As the cannabis market expands, the role of automation in manufacturing processes is set to become even more critical.
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