Optical Sorter Market - Size, Share, Industry Trends, and Forecasts (2025-2032)

By Technology:

Based on technology, the market is segmented into cameras, lasers, NIR sorters, hyperspectral cameras, combined sorters, and others.

Trends in the technology:

• Integration of AI into hyperspectral cameras improves the ability to separate and recognize materials which in turn improves the performance of optical sorting machines.
• Multiple sensors such as cameras, lasers, near-infrared (NIR) sensors, and others easily integrate with optical sorting machines which enhances the capabilities of color sorting machines.

The camera accounted for the largest revenue share in the year 2024.

• Optical sorting machine utilizes cameras to eliminate human error and cater to the growing requirements for identifying, analyzing, and sorting materials based on color, size, and other physical characteristics. Additionally, the camera technology has a higher resolution which accurately identifies small defects and spots on the raw material, and with a high-precision dedicated lens can ensure a clear image.
• The primary factor driving the development of the camera segment is the technological ability to enhance efficiency, improve inspection, and reduce the time required in the overall operation.
• In May 2023, Specim launched GX17 for optical sorting machine which enhances the efficiency with accuracy, and inspection along with reduced operational time.
• Thus, as per the analysis, the rising adoption of camera technology for improving efficiency and accuracy is driving the optical sorter market trends.

The NIR sorter is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• NIR sorter utilizes near-infrared light to absorb the light spectrum emitted by the objects of specific functional groups. The wavelength used by the NIR sorter technology ranges from 780 nm to 2526 nm. Moreover, technology is highly efficient in distinguishing different materials, regardless of color and shape.
• The food processing sector is driving the demand for NIR sorters due to the cutting-edge technology for recycling and processing grains and others.
• In April 2023, National Recovery Technologies (NRT) launched a new SpydIR-HS optical sorter which utilizes a near-infrared (NIR) platform for enhancing detection resolution, improving the air ejection precision and easily integrating with a visual identification system.
• Therefore, the ability of NIR sorters to distinguish different materials, regardless of color and shape is anticipated to boost the market during the forecast period.

By Platform:

Based on the platform, the market is segmented into belt, freefall, lane, and hybrid.

Trends in the platform

• The growing trend towards reducing food waste and improving efficiencies is boosting the need for freefall-based optical sorting machines.
• Integration of machine learning into sorting machines is enhancing the ability of machines to adapt to the changing requirements and select platforms based on requirements.

The belt segment accounted for the largest revenue share in the year 2024.

• Belt based optical sorting machine is a device that utilizes photoelectric detection technology for automatically sorting out mixed particles based on the differences in the optical characteristics of the materials.
• Moreover, a belt belt-based optical sorting machine is suitable for applications in food processing companies of nuts, seafood, dried fruits, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
• Additionally, the AI-powered sorter integrates advanced visible light sorting technologies into belt based optical sorting machine is also driving the evolution of the market
• In August 2023, DTDC Express Ltd selected Falcon Autotech cross-belt sorter technology for automating the parcel sorting operations of its facility in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and the facility is about 1,75,000 sq. ft.
• Thus, as per the analysis, the advancement and integration of AI into optical sorting machines are driving the belt-based optical sorter market demand.

The hybrid segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• The hybrid optical sorting machine combines various sorting platforms such as belt, freefall, and lane depending on the requirement for increasing flexibility and efficiency. Additionally, a hybrid optical sorting machine is preferable for complicated task that involves varied materials with advanced features.
• Further, the advancement in the hybrid optical sorting machine by combining various platforms is increasing the development of segments. Moreover, the machine involves features such as optical detection, electroporation, and others.
• In May 2023, Geek+ collaborated with NEXT's Dearne Valley Pallet fulfillment center to automate the 45,000m2 of warehouse space. The collaboration has deployed a hybrid Pick-and-Sort solution with 250 Geek+ robots.
• Therefore, the advancement and ability to handle various materials with different features are anticipated to boost the progress of the market during the forecast period.

By Application:

Based on the application, the market is segmented into food processing, recycling, minerals & precious metals sorting, tablets & capsules inspection process, and others.

Trends in the application :

• The sorting machine is increasingly adopted in airports for improving the operational efficiency of baggage sorting.
• The growing mining sector and rising need for detecting ores with different colors, such as copper oxide, crystalline structures in quartz, and others are boosting the optical sorter market size.

Food processing accounted for the largest revenue share in the year 2024 and is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• Optical sorting machines are utilized in food processing and other industrial applications which require easy cleaning to prevent cross-contamination and convenient access for maintenance.
• In May 2024, Tolsma-Grisnich partnered with Invaro Group to enhance the efficiency of optical sorting of potatoes and onions. Additionally, Tolsma-Grisnich is assigned with all the commercial and service activities and Invaro Group is assigned to focus on the development and production of optical technology and machinery.
• Hence, according to the optical sorter market analysis, the rising need for preventing cross-contamination and convenience in food processing is driving the need for the optical sorter market.

By End-Use:

Based on the end use, the market is segmented into food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, mining, waste management, and others.

Trends in the end-use:

• The new regulatory landscape pushes companies to adopt optical sorting machines in waste management to reduce plastic waste driving the optical sorter market trend.
• New technologies in optical sorters such as cameras, capacity sensors, and odor reduction systems are helping companies to decrease energy use, save money, and increase operational efficiency.

Food & beverages accounted for the largest revenue share of 41.53% in the year 2024.

• The rising need for high-quality food products with a shorter delivery cycle is driving the progress of the food and beverages segment in the optical sorter market share. Further, the growing automation and stringent rules and regulations in the food & beverages sector are also driving the evolution of the segment.
• Moreover, crops such as maize are particularly prone to aflatoxin contamination, classified as a primary carcinogen which is dangerous to health optical sorting machine helps in the identification of contamination and thus increases the safety of the food chain.
• In June 2021, Satake Corporation launched NIRAMI,  an optical sorting machine for grains, pulses, seeds, and many other products.
• Thus, the need for high-quality food products and growing automation as well as stringent rules and regulations in the food and beverages sector is driving the need for optical sorting machines.

The Waste Management is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• The rising need for reducing the impact of waste on the environment and the increasing focus of businesses towards sustainability is propelling the need for optical sorting machines in the waste management segment.
• Additionally, stringent rules and regulations in waste management are propelling the need for optical sorting.
• Moreover, optical sorting machine utilizes AI image recognition technology and sensors in waste management. The technology allows precise identification and separation of waste materials for improving the efficiency and productivity of machines.
• In July 2024, Renewi partnered with Freepoint Eco-Systems to develop new waste plastic sorting and treatment infrastructure. The partnership aims to establish the pre-processing infrastructure, for the supply of 80,000 tons of feedstock for Freepoint Eco-Systems.
• Therefore, the stringent rules and regulations and technological advancement in sorting machines are anticipated to boost the evolution of the market during the forecast period.