The evolution of logistics sorting equipment (2025): from manual to intelligent, from centralized to flexible

The evolution of logistics sorting equipment (2025): from manual to intelligent, from centralized to flexible
- technology iteration drives efficiency revolution, modularization and environmental protection define the future

1. The Millennium Evolution of Logistics Sorting: A Qualitative Change from Human Power to Machinery

①Primitive stage (before 19th century)

l  Manual sorting is the main method, which relies on human handling and identification, resulting in low efficiency and high cost.

l  Case: The ancient post station system and escort transportation reflect the early logistics’ reliance on manual labor.

②The Beginning of Mechanization (19th-20th Century)

l  The steam engine and the Industrial Revolution led to the birth of mechanical transportation tools, but sorting was still mainly done by manual labor.

l  Turning point: In the 1920s, the Dutch company Erma invented the first automatic letter sorting equipment, marking the beginning of automation.

③The awakening of logistics sorting in China (1949-2000)

l  Pure manual sorting (1949-1980): The postal system relied on manual sorting, which was highly adaptable but inefficient.

l  Mechanically assisted stage (1980-2000): Belt conveyors became popular, but sorting still relied on manual labor and costs remained high.

l  Industry background: After China joined the WTO, the emergence of e-commerce has led to an explosion in logistics demand.

2. Leapfrog development of modern logistics sorting in China (2000-2030)

①Centralized automatic sorting era (2000-2020)

l  Technological breakthrough: Application of infrared recognition and cross-belt sorting machines improves the efficiency of standardized cargo handling.

l  Limitations: Non-standard parts rely on manual labor, have high energy consumption and lack flexibility.

l  Data support: In 2021, the market size of China's automatic sorting equipment will exceed 210 billion yuan, with a compound annual growth rate of 25%.

②Modularization and flexibility revolution (2020-2030)

Technology watershed:

l  Large centralized equipment (such as cross-belt sorters): suitable for standardized and large-volume scenarios, but requires large investments and occupies a large area.

l  Flexible equipment (such as Keefam high-speed sorting robot): Modular design supports non-standard parts processing, reduces energy consumption by more than 30%, and is suitable for small and medium-sized sites and mixed goods.

Industry trend: E-commerce big data drives the sorting system to evolve towards “nearest warehouse + intelligent scheduling”.

3. Sorting equipment technology map and scenario adaptation

Case comparison:

l  Cross-belt sorting machine: Zhongke Weizhi's cross-belt system accounts for 35% of express hubs and can handle more than 10 million pieces a day, but it requires a site of thousands of square meters and an investment of tens of millions.

l  Modular sorting robot: Keefam high-speed sorting robot supports sorting of goods within 100kg, with an efficiency of 10,000 pieces/hour. It is suitable for small and medium-sized sites and mixed scenarios of non-standard parts. The investment cost is only 1/10 of that of centralized equipment.

Conclusion: The "centralized + flexible" combination has become the mainstream, standardized goods rely on large equipment, and mixed scenarios require modular equipment to improve efficiency.

4. Future trends: intelligence, less manpower, green and low-carbon

①Technology driven:

l  AI and IoT: The intelligent dispatching system optimizes sorting routes, and predictive maintenance reduces failure rates (Keefam equipment failure rate is only 0.01%).

l  Humanoid Robot: Keefam plans to develop high-precision sorting robots to cope with complex scenarios.

②Environmental upgrade:

l  Energy-saving technology: Keefam sorting robot consumes 0.15 degrees per hour, and gravity chute consumes zero energy.

l  Material innovation: Environmentally friendly nano materials reduce wear and tear, with a 10-year emission reduction target of 1 million tons of CO₂ .

③Social Value:

l  Modular design lowers the technical threshold for small and medium-sized enterprises and promotes inclusive logistics.

5. Conclusion: Technology combination drives sorting revolution

l  Standardized scenario: give priority to the use of centralized equipment such as cross-belt sorters to leverage economies of scale.

l  Hybrid scenario: Combined with Keefam sorting robots, AGV and other flexible equipment to achieve "low cost + high flexibility".

l  The ultimate goal: to build a sustainable logistics sorting ecosystem through intelligence (reducing manpower), modularization (adapting to diverse needs), and greening (reducing energy consumption).

Conclusion

 
The evolution of logistics sorting is essentially a game between efficiency and cost. From centralized to flexible, from high energy consumption to green and low carbon, Keefam redefines industry standards with modular technology. In the future, intelligent sorting will not only be a tool, but also a "nerve center" to promote the efficient operation of social logistics networks.