In modern logistics warehouses and express distribution centers, wheel sorters have become crucial technology for enhancing efficiency. This automated equipment can process thousands of parcels with astonishing speed and accuracy, significantly reducing the need for manual sorting. So how exactly does this system work?
The core of a wheel sorter is a conveyor belt system composed of hundreds of independently rotating wheels. Each wheel can be computer-controlled to rotate in different directions, enabling the diversion and guidance of parcels.
When a parcel enters the sorting system, it first passes through a scanning station. High-definition cameras and barcode scanners read the label information on the parcel to determine its final destination. This data is transmitted in real-time to the central control system, which then calculates which exit the parcel needs to be sorted to.
As the parcel continues moving on the wheels, when it approaches the target exit, the computer instructs the wheels in a specific area to change direction. These wheels rotate at a specific angle, gently but firmly pushing the parcel off the main conveyor belt into the correct diversion channel. The entire process is smooth and efficient, requiring almost no human intervention.
1. Scanning System: Uses visual recognition, RFID, or laser scanning technology to identify parcels.
2. Control System: Based on PLC or industrial computers, responsible for decision-making and coordination.
3. Mechanical Platform: A conveying surface composed of thousands of small wheels.
4. Diversion Mechanism: Achieves parcel direction change through adjustments in wheel angles.
Wheel sorters are particularly suitable for handling medium-sized, regularly shaped parcels such as cartons, envelopes, and soft packages. Compared to traditional sorting methods, their advantages are clear: sorting speeds can reach thousands of items per hour, accuracy exceeds 99%, labor costs are significantly reduced, and they can operate 24/7 uninterrupted.
From e-commerce warehouses to airport baggage handling, from postal services to manufacturing, wheel sorting technology is revolutionizing logistics operations across various sectors, providing businesses with faster and more reliable parcel processing solutions.
