sorters

Sorters are devices or systems that separate items into streams or categories based on specified criteria such as size, weight, color, shape, destination, or value. They are used in a range of applications including manufacturing, logistics, recycling, agriculture, and information processing.

Physical sorters include chute sorters, cross-belt sorters, tilt-tray sorters, belt sorters, and pneumatic sorters. They typically use sensors—optical scanners, cameras, weight sensors, or RFID—to identify items and actuate diverters that direct items to different conveyors or chutes. They improve throughput and accuracy in parcel sortation, grocery fulfillment, waste processing, and other automated handling tasks.

In computing and data processing, sorting refers to arranging data in a specified order. Sorting schemes range from simple algorithms such as insertion sort to more advanced algorithms like quicksort, mergesort, and heapsort. In hardware and streaming contexts, sorting networks and parallel sorters organize data with multiple comparators in fixed topologies. Applications include databases, search indexing, and real-time event processing.

Key considerations for sorters include throughput, accuracy, scalability, fault tolerance, maintenance, safety, and integration with other automation or software systems. Environmental and cost factors influence the choice of a sorter type in a given setting.