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Sidewinder

Fast and flexible, the Sidewinder high-capacity optical sorter will increase throughput, reduce labor costs, and improve product utilization

Sidewinder is designed for sorting oblong- and irregular-shaped produce. A high-capacity optical sorter, the Sidewinder delivers consistent results across a wide variety of crops, using either or both AI-powered grading systems or “traditional” optical grading. The innovative carrier design provides accurate, multi-product grading capabilities along with industry leading throughput and capacity. Available in multiple-lane configurations and labor-free infeed options, Sidewinder is the one machine to get all of your work done.

PRODUCT FEATURES

Reliable and responsive sorting

Innovative carrier design with 360-degree product rotation and automatic product infeed for optimal imagery

ID Technology package, with custom-tuned lighting—in visible and infrared spectrum—and high-definition, dual camera imaging system

Gentle pneumatic ejection system

Soft product deliveries

High throughput/high-capacity

The Sidewinder sorter is a unique multi-drop sorting solution, with a robust design that performs well in any packing environment. Sidewinder has gained wide acceptance from single and multi-commodity growers for its ability to accurately size and grade a wide variety of products utilizing the same versatile carrier. Our unique infeed systems provide labor-free product placement onto the carrier while optimally presenting the product to our ID Technology AI-powered optical system, giving you superior grading results.

The key to Sidewinder’s success is its ability to rotate your product 360 degrees while it is photographed. Our vision technology includes two 3.2 mega pixel HD cameras, mounted at opposing 45-degree angles to each lane. Each camera can simultaneously take both color and infrared images. Custom-tuned LED gives us precision control of imaging conditions, differentiating the spectrum of light used to best inspect your product. Multiple HD images of each rotating product are analyzed by the AI-powered ID Technology system, giving you consistent, optimal results. And our intuitive user interface allows you to easily change sizing and grading parameters by any combination of length, diameter, area, color, shape and external quality. Live imaging means you can instantly see what your changes will mean for each sort.

Engineered for maximum productivity, the Sidewinder high-capacity optical sorter adapts to operations of all sizes with flexible configurations ranging from 2 to 10 lanes. The Sidewinder is capable of throughputs of up to 66,000 pounds per hour for bell peppers and 96,000 pieces per hour for cucumbers or squash, depending on setup. Its gentle pneumatic ejection system ensures soft delivery, reducing damage to delicate produce. Built from durable 304 stainless steel, with blue PVC belts and premium components by Allen Bradley, the Sidewinder is reliable and easy-to-use. Whether sorting by color, size, shape, or surface quality, the Sidewinder provides both AI-powered and “traditional” optical grading grading that allows our customers to meet or exceed stringent government and retailer requirements—making it a trusted choice for modern packing facilities.

Lane Configurations

2 Lane
4 Lane
6 Lane
8 Lane
10 Lane

Capacity (lbs/hr) Bell Peppers

2 Lane

13,000 lbs. per hour

4 Lane

27,000 lbs. per hour

6 Lane

40,000 lbs. per hour

8 Lane

53,000 lbs. per hour

10 Lane

66,000 lbs. per hour

Capacity (lbs/hr) Cucumber / Squash

2 Lane

19,000 pcs per hour

4 Lane

38,000 pcs per hour

6 Lane

57,000 pcs per hour

8 Lane

76,000 pcs per hour

10 Lane

96,000 pcs per hour

Grading features-Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered resultsgrades for:

Size
Sun scald
Suntan
Color
Wind scar
Shape or curvature
Stem detection

Construction

Made in Exeter, California

24-month warranty

304 stainless steel throughout; higher grades are available

Blue PVC belts

Electrical components by Allen Bradley; other marks available

The Sidewinder meets or exceeds all major government and retailer standards

Supported Produce Types

Melon

Citrus

Onion

Cucumber

Hard Squash

Soft Squash

Bell Pepper

Avocado

Mango

Sidewinder

Images & Videos

Sidewinder

Case Studies

California Grower – Bell Pepper Packing Line Upgrade

READ CASE STUDY

Sidewinder

Optimize throughput with the Sidewinder high-capacity optical sorter

The Sidewinder sorter is designed for oblong and irregular-shaped produce, delivering industry-leading throughput with consistent, AI-powered multi-product grading. Its innovative carrier system ensures 360-degree rotation and high-resolution imaging, maximizing grading precision while minimizing labor. Built for speed, accuracy, and flexibility, the Sidewinder adapts seamlessly to a variety of packing environments. Contact us to explore how Sidewinder can streamline your sorting process.

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