Automated Sorting Systems for Consistent Cannabis Production
The cannabis industry is undoubtedly the rapidly growing industry of the era. Especially after the legalization, the production has seen a prominent hike. As it is a worldwide expanding industry, the demand is always high. Producers are always trying to keep up with demands by consistently supplying high-quality products. It is not just to maintain the demand-supply chain.
But it is indispensable to have a trusted client relationship, stay focused and compliant with regulations, and ultimately have a profitable business. The one and sole factor, or let's say technology, to make all this happen, most possibly, is AI vision sensor system. These systems were specifically tailored to lessen the manual human errors, to boost packaging accuracy with robots, and to deliver supreme quality products to its consumers.
These systems cover most of the basic and essential steps, from grading buds to removing contaminants. These modular automation is changing are now considered to be the most integral part of modern cannabis production. In this blog, we will discuss how the automated sorting system is opening ways to success for the cannabis industry. How is this all adding to their part? Let's discover.
What Do We Mean by Sorting in Cannabis Production?
More specifically, automated sorting in cannabis refers to the integration of machines, sensors, AI-driven software, and cameras to sort various cannabis materials based on specific criteria. Rather than choosing human labor, automation systems help to perform tasks as picking out the buds as per their size, colour, quality, or density of buds, so that the material selected could turn into the best product.
Important Role of Sorting in Cannabis Supply Chain
The sorting system has an important influence on the whole process of the supply chain from the beginning to the end. For instance,
After harvest, automated sorting systems can pick up the best buds from the yield by their size and can separate the leaves from the developed flowers and the remaining stems.
During pre-roll production, after the selection from the harvesting portion, these machines ensure all the buds selected are of uniformity and no irrelevant material is taken in that could harm the smoking experience.
Before Packaging, these systems then make sure to check or scan for any external matter, discoloration, or mold just to promise a safe, high-quality quality and compliant product.
Quality control labs: In quality control labs, these systems inspect everything about regulatory testing and traceability.
In this way, the proper integration of the automation system can help companies to reduce their waste, labor costs, and deliver the best quality products to their consumers, and win their trust.
Why Consistency is Important in Cannabis
Consistency is the major factor behind every win, but in the cannabis industry, it matters even more how. The industry is growing rapidly, and a study reveals that the global cannabis technology is expected to reach USD 23.46 billion. For a business to make itself exist in such a large market, consistency is the key. How? Let's uncover.
Meeting Consumer Expectations
The regular cannabis consumer wants the same experience every time they purchase it. Whether it's the smoothness of a pre-roll, the freshness of bud, or the potency of an infused bud, the consistency of the quality is unquestionable. Such brands are not acceptable in the markets that deliver the best aromatic and even-sized products one week, but next week, their quality is not up to the mark. This kind of inconsistency immediately takes away the customers.
Here, the automated sorting systems play their pivotal role and enforce uniformity and consistency.
Supporting Regulatory Compliance
The cannabis industry is under the strictest regulatory supervision all over the world. Manufacturers have to undergo strict policies on mold levels, potency labeling, pesticide residues, the potency of products, and even how the products look. If the sorting procedure is inconsistent, it can lead to consumer dissatisfaction and even legal repercussions.
The automated systems assist with compliance by:
Picking up and rejecting the low-quality or contaminated buds.
It can record the whole inspection process to be used further in audits.
It promises traceability from seed to sale.
Regulatory Authorities want proofs, and this system can consistently deliver the documented and video proofs as well.
Protecting Brand Reputation and Profits
Consistency, abiding by regulatory requirements, and delivering the best quality products are all factors to establish the status of any brand. Brands with a reputation for delivering premium quality products can charge even higher prices but never lose loyal customers. And also the lesser recalls, reduced wastes, and smooth operations end up in higher profit margins.
Why do customers care so much about the consistency in cannabis products?
Cannabis users always want a consistent product in terms of appearance, aroma, taste, and even packaging. Inconsistency often results in a negative experience, damaging the brand's reputation.
Key Technologies Behind the Automated Sorting System
What is the main thing in the automated system that makes it stand out among all the latest technologies in the cannabis industry? It definitely would be something very innovative and remarkable.
Let's uncover the technologies behind this amazing system to understand its working even more.
Vision and AI System
In an automated sorting system, the high-resolution cameras are integrated with artificial intelligence in such a way that they become capable of grading and separating cannabis buds by their size, color, and shape. It takes a lot of training attempts with thousands of images.
These AI tools are made efficient enough to learn how to differentiate multiple cannabis buds with discoloration, excessive leaf matter, and mold. Some more advanced systems can even trace the potency of the buds by guessing the trichome density.
Optical and Sensor-Based Sorting
In optical and sensor sorting, some high-quality lasers, infrared lights, with some other sensors are forced to work collectively to detect the quality differences of the buds which are invisible to the human eye. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is an utmost duty of a state to ensure that the cannabis products have a premium quality.
For instance, a highly optimized laser can see the contamination and the traces of moisture in the yield, which is not easily visible or felt. These kinds of systems are often used to pull out external materials like packaging debris or stems.
Robotics and Mechanical Sorting
Up-to-the-minute and contemporary systems use robotics mostly in pre-roll production. These robots are made to handle the buds lightly handedly reducing the risk of damage. They can softly infuse the pre-rolls with concentrates and oils to sustain the premium quality of the product. This high level of precision is not possible if the procedure is conducted manually.
Integration with Tracking Systems
Integration is an essential factor for most of the latest technologies, as they don't work in isolation. They have to be connected to data systems that monitor compliance, consumer demand, and the production process. It all takes a smooth set of actions to be conducted collectively.
All these systems are specifically tailored to align with the proper testing guidelines approved by the US Department of Agriculture, which is a true advocate of strict protocols for hemp laboratory testing, cannabinoid verification, and moisture treatment. For businesses looking to streamline compliance and maintain transparency, seamless integration with tracking systems ensures that every step, from testing to final delivery, is traceable and meets regulatory standards.
Are these systems customizable for different strains?
Absolutely, AI-driven systems can be designed and practiced with strain-specific data. It shows their adaptability to various bud shapes, colors, and even densities.
Major Attributes of Leading Sorting Systems
The cannabis producer must check these multiple features in the automated sorting system when they plan to get one for their production house or brand. These attributes maximize the capacity and functioning of the sorting system.
Here are the attributes:
High Accuracy: The sorting system must be reliable enough to pick out the low-quality products without damaging the good ones. Its accuracy rate must exceed 95%.
High Throughput: The throughput rate of the system must be high because there are thousands of buds running on the scale, and the system must be capable enough to handle them without bottlenecks.
Flexibility: One of the main characteristics of a sorting system is its flexibility. Different strains possess different sizes, appearances, and densities. The best system must be capable enough to adapt to all these variations through AI model updates of calibration.
Cleanliness and Safety: The cleanliness of the sorting systems are directly related to their functioning and safety. It is obvious that cannabis is a consumable product, which is why the equipment used has to be food safe, easy to clean, and minimize contamination.
Ease of Maintenance: Producers of the cannabis industry must look for such a system that is reliable, vigorous, and supported by the latest technical support.
Return on Investment: The system must be efficient enough to pay back its cost by saving labor costs, reducing waste, and higher product quality.
All these attributes fully support the standards for safety and quality. The US Food and Drug Administration has underlined the need for reliable manufacturing practices to ensure that cannabis derived products are in accordance with the potency and purity standards.
Challenges in Implementing Automated Sorting
Undoubtedly, automated sorting systems are the best choice for any cannabis producer to maximize its business because of the benefits they hold. But there are some challenges as well that are directly attached to these systems, and every producer owning a sorting system must be aware of these challenges.
Here are some main problems:
Upfront Investment Costs
The most important challenge to bear is the initial cost of a sorting system, which is very high. They cost a lot because they contain a whole integrated system that includes high-resolution cameras, AI software, and robotics, which are very expensive. Small-scale business owners may find it difficult to bear the costs at once, but this one-time investment saves on many future cost-cutting measures.
Regulatory Differences Across Regions
It is evident that the cannabis laws and jurisdiction vary from state to state and country to country. If one system is working perfectly under one law or jurisdiction, it might get to adjust somewhere else under another law. And it is forced by the FDA that all cannabis derived products must follow all the safety and labelling requirements all over the state.
For instance, some places have strict laws on mold detection, and some others may have strict requirements on potency consistency. So the producers must confirm that their system is adaptable across multiple regulatory frameworks.
Technical Limitations
Perfection does not exist anywhere, and similarly, no system works flawlessly. Even the systems with the best parts and top-notch AI software may sometimes misclassify the products. It usually happens when the strain looks quite different from the data used to train the system about the strain. Sometimes the defects are invisible and not easy to understand. These limitations conclude that manual checks and balances are crucial to maintain the quality.
Workforce Adaptation
Workforce adaptation is a very important challenge to tackle, as it is related to the sentiments of the workers. By installing automated sorting systems, existing workers may feel displaced or uncertain about their future roles. So businesses need to provide proper training and guidance to use this system accurately.
It is essential to make them feel that the system is designed to be used by them, not to replace them entirely. Upskilling workers to maintain, manage, and keep a check on automated systems builds a strong workforce and reduces resistance.
What if state regulation changes?
If the business has installed a modular sorting system, they are safe. Because good modular systems are upgradeable just right according to the compliance requirements.
Best Practices for Successful Implementation
It is important to follow some of the best practices to get the most out of the automated sorting systems. These practices involve some main steps, compulsory to adapt to use the system more accurately and precisely.
Let's have a look at these practices:
Start Small with Pilot Programs: Always test your system with a limited batch or specific product line, and after evaluating the results, increase it gradually. It's always safe to start with a pilot project.
Collection and Use of Data: Automation thrives on data. It requires proper instructions to act accordingly. Producers must weigh measurements, collect images and defect patterns across multiple strains and seasons, and feed them into data because it is essential to get the desired results.
Select Modular and Scalable Solutions: Always opt for those systems that are easy to upgrade. This allows producers to effortlessly add new features to their system. This flexibility is essential for business growth.
Hygiene and Contamination Control: Hygiene is very critical in this concern because cannabis is consumed by end users. The automated system must be composed of food-grade material to reduce the risks of contamination. It should also be designed for easy and convenient cleaning.
Ensure Regulatory Integration: To get the most out of automated sorting systems, make sure they work collectively. They must be integrated seamlessly with multiple software to produce high-quality products. It must be integrated compliance tracking software to generate records important for the audits.
Evaluate ROI Beyond Equipment Price: Always calculate the cost beyond the purchase price. Owners should also consider maintenance, downtime, staff training, and energy consumption. All the producers should have a clear understanding of return on investment.
What are the Future Trends in Automated Cannabis Sorting?
Technology is evolving rapidly, and the future of automated sorting systems is a true representation of next-generation technology. It is assumed that many innovations and trends are on their way to being introduced in this regard.
Here are a few trends to watch:
AI Advancements: As AI is flourishing day by day, it is expected that the machine learning models will improve, and they will be able to detect some internal flaws, such as mold or moisture imbalances.
Greater Integration: In the future, the integration will be at a high scale, like the sorting will be integrated with curing, packaging, and inventory systems to support a fully automated production process.
Cost Reduction: As most producers will go for automated sorting systems, it is assumed that their initial prices will come down, making it more accessible for even small business owners.
Sustainability: Sustainability will be considered as a priority in the future. And the systems will have more sustainable features like recycling or repurposing trim and byproducts.
Standardization Across Market: Cannabis is widely legalized, and it will increase the global standard of quality grading. And the automated systems have to meet all the requirements. Also, the National Center for Biotechnology Information has drawn some new frameworks for calculating and classifying cannabis product quality in clinical contexts.
Pre-roll Automation: In the cannabis industry, coated and infused pre-rolls are getting very popular. Future automated systems must be capable of precise infusion and proper coating.
Elevate your System to Elevate your Brand
In this era of evolving technology, Sorting robotics manufacturing automated systems have become the backbone of the consistent and seamless cannabis industry. From ensuring bud quality to maintaining strict compliance standards, these systems have become essential for remarkable production.
For the cannabis producers and business owners, this is not about opting for technology but about reshaping their business future. It is compulsory to go for the latest innovations to stay ahead in the competitive market. To thrive and lead in the cannabis market, it is crucial to adopt up-to-the-minute automated systems.
If you are thinking of getting one for your brand. Sorting robotics is the perfect place for you to visit. Even if you need any information about this system, our responsive team with knack of knowledge is just a call away. Undoubtedly, the future of the cannabis industry is automated system; make sure that you are not left behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role do genetics play in determining the effects of a cannabis strain?
Cannabis genetics are basically inherited traits from the parent plant encoded in the DNA of the offspring. These traits determine everything, from a plant's physical appearance to its chemical composition. It also includes cannabinoid levels, growth patterns, and terpene profiles.
Is cannabis use genetic?
Yes, approximately 50 to 70% of the variation in cannabis use.
What is the genetic information of cannabis?
The genetics of cannabis is encoded in its DNA. This genetic code decides the plant's physical traits, some other characteristics, and also terpene profiles.
What is the role of genetic engineering in the role of drug production?
Genetic engineering holds a very important role in this regard. It allows researchers to optimize the production of pharmaceutical compounds by engineering the host organism for massive yields and maximum purity. With its help, scientists can fine-tune the metabolic pathways of microorganisms to double the production of the desired drug.
