The relentless expansion of e-commerce, retail, and parcel industries has created a logistical paradox where surging order volumes and increasing product complexity are straining the very systems designed to handle them. Traditional sorting methods, often heavily reliant on manual labor, are reaching a breaking point, resulting in operational inefficiencies, escalating costs, and a frustratingly slow throughput that fails to meet modern consumer expectations. In response to this pressing industry-wide challenge, Daifuku is set to introduce its innovative Sorting Transfer Robot (SOTR) series to the European market during the LogiMAT 2026 exhibition in Stuttgart. This new product line, engineered and produced in Japan, represents a significant leap forward in warehouse automation. The full series, which includes three distinct models tailored to different handling needs, aims to provide a comprehensive and scalable solution to modernize sorting operations and alleviate the bottlenecks currently plaguing fulfillment centers and distribution hubs across the continent.
A Versatile Approach to Automation
Daifuku’s SOTR series is engineered to provide a flexible and multifaceted solution, addressing the full spectrum of warehouse sorting requirements through its specialized models. The lineup features the SOTR-S for handling individual piece items, the SOTR-M for managing totes, and the SOTR-L, which is designed for the heavy-duty task of moving pallets. While all three robots will be showcased to demonstrate the breadth of the technology, the SOTR-M system will be the centerpiece of a full-scale demonstration, offering attendees a firsthand look at its operational capabilities. This tiered approach allows businesses to select the precise automation tool needed for their specific workflow, whether they are dealing with small consumer goods, bulk-packaged items in totes, or entire pallet loads. By offering a comprehensive family of robots, the SOTR series provides an integrated ecosystem that can be deployed to streamline various stages of the sorting process, enhancing overall operational efficiency and providing the adaptability needed to respond to dynamic business demands.
Redefining Efficiency and Footprint
The SOTR-S model, in particular, stands out for its remarkable performance and intelligent design, engineered to maximize productivity within a minimal physical footprint. Capable of reaching a travel speed of up to 180 meters per minute, this robot can process an impressive 10,000 lines per hour, a rate that dramatically accelerates sorting operations. Its innovative two-tier structure is a key design element, creating separate levels for traffic flow to ensure smooth, uninterrupted movement and prevent congestion. Furthermore, the system’s tilting trays enable it to operate in narrow aisles, a feature that reduces its required floor space to less than half that of conventional sorters. This space-saving design is a critical advantage for facilities where square footage is at a premium. Beyond its operational efficiency, the SOTR system was designed for rapid installation and straightforward scalability, empowering businesses to quickly upgrade their capabilities and adapt to future growth with minimal disruption. This combination of speed, precision, and compact design delivered a powerful tool for boosting productivity.
