Sorting Machine For Sale: Detailed Analysis of Standards, Grades, and Industry Applications

Types of Sorting Machines for Sale

A sorting machine is an essential piece of industrial equipment designed to automate the separation and classification of materials based on specific characteristics. With a wide variety of sorting machines for sale, industries can select the most suitable system depending on their processing needs, material type, throughput requirements, and quality standards. These machines enhance efficiency, reduce labor costs, improve product consistency, and support compliance with industry regulations.

Food Grade Conveyor Sorters

Reinforced conveyor systems designed specifically for food processing environments, compliant with FDA standards for hygiene and safety.

Advantages

• FDA-compliant materials ensure food safety
• Durable construction for heavy-duty use
• Customizable for size, color, weight, or quality sorting
• Adaptable to mining, recycling, agriculture, and logistics
• Available in various voltage and frequency configurations

Limitations

• Higher initial cost for food-grade certification
• Requires regular cleaning and maintenance
• Limited to materials compatible with conveyor transport

Best for: Food processing, quality control lines, hygienic environments, multi-industry applications requiring robust conveyance

Optical Sorting Machines

Advanced systems using cameras, sensors, and AI-powered imaging software to identify and separate items by visual properties like color, shape, size, and brightness.

Advantages

• High-precision sorting with minimal human intervention
• Real-time analysis and decision-making
• Uses air jets, drop gates, or mechanical fingers for accurate separation
• Effective for removing contaminants and defects
• Versatile across food, recycling, and pharmaceutical industries

Limitations

• High initial investment and technical complexity
• Sensitive to lighting and environmental conditions
• Requires skilled operators and software calibration

Best for: Fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, plastics, paper, metals, and other materials requiring visual defect detection or color-based separation

Industrial Size Grading Sorters

Bulk sorting systems equipped with screening platforms, air separation units, and control panels to classify seeds, grains, legumes, and similar products by size.

Advantages

• High-capacity processing ideal for exporters and large processors
• Precise size-based classification improves product uniformity
• Combines mechanical screening with optional optical sorting
• Integrated ejection system for automated separation
• Standalone control unit allows for easy monitoring and adjustments

Limitations

• Limited to particulate or granular materials
• Takes up significant floor space
• Screens may require frequent cleaning or replacement

Best for: Agriculture, seed processing, grain mills, food packaging, and bulk commodity handling

Specialty Optical Subtypes

Dedicated optical sorters optimized for specific sorting criteria such as color or shape, offering enhanced performance in targeted applications.

Advantages

• Color Sorters: Detect and remove off-color or contaminated items with high accuracy
• Shape Sorters: Identify irregularities in geometry, ideal for damaged or misshapen product removal
• Specialized sensors increase detection sensitivity
• Customizable thresholds for different product standards

Limitations

• Narrow application scope compared to general optical sorters
• May require multiple units for full quality control
• Higher maintenance due to sensor sensitivity

Best for: Specialty food processing (e.g., rice, coffee, spices), recycling streams with strict color standards, cosmetic grading of produce

Type	Primary Sorting Method	Industries Served	Throughput Capacity	Key Features
Food Grade Conveyor	Manual or automated visual/mechanical sorting	Food Processing, Agriculture, Logistics	Medium to High	FDA-compliant, customizable, multi-industry use
Optical Sorting Machines	Camera & sensor-based visual analysis	Food, Recycling, Pharmaceuticals	High to Very High	AI-powered, real-time sorting, air-jet ejection
Size Grading Sorters	Mechanical screening & air separation	Agriculture, Grain Processing, Export	Very High	Bulk handling, integrated controls, ejection system
Color/Shape Sorters	Specialized optical detection	Specialty Foods, Recycling, Cosmetics	Medium to High	Precision defect removal, customizable thresholds

Expert Tip: When purchasing sorting machines for sale, consider not only the initial cost but also long-term factors such as maintenance requirements, spare parts availability, energy consumption, and compatibility with your existing production line. For food applications, always verify FDA or equivalent regulatory compliance to ensure safety and avoid costly recalls.

Specifications and Maintenance of Sorting Machines for Sale

Sorting machines are essential in food processing, agriculture, and manufacturing industries, where precision, efficiency, and hygiene are critical. Their performance depends heavily on key technical specifications and proper maintenance practices. Selecting the right machine requires understanding its capabilities in relation to your production needs, product type, and operational environment.

Key Specifications to Consider When Buying a Sorting Machine

The specifications of a sorting machine define its capacity, accuracy, and suitability for specific applications. These vary widely depending on the type of product being sorted—such as peanuts, rice, poultry, or vegetables—and whether the machine is intended for industrial, commercial, or small-scale use.

Conveyor Belt Dimensions

The width and length of the conveyor belt directly impact the machine’s throughput and compatibility with different product sizes. For example, peanut sorting machines typically feature conveyor belts between 0.5 and 1 meter in width, allowing efficient handling of various peanut grades. Rice sorting machines often require wider belts—ranging from 1 to 1.5 meters—to accommodate higher volumes and ensure even distribution during optical scanning.

Belt length influences processing time and sorting accuracy, especially when multiple inspection zones (e.g., color, size, foreign material detection) are integrated. Longer belts allow more time for sensors to analyze products before ejection.

Sorting Capacity (Throughput)

Sorting capacity is measured in kilograms or units per hour and varies significantly across models. Peanut sorters can process anywhere from 100 to 2,000 kg/hour, making them suitable for both small farms and large processing plants. Similarly, rice sorting machines handle comparable tonnages per hour but may differ in grain-specific calibration and ejection speed.

For specialized applications, such as poultry processing, machines like the 5.0.3.3.2/12.6 R-P model offer high-speed weight-based sorting with a capacity of up to 2,000 pieces per hour. This makes them ideal for high-volume production lines requiring consistent portion control.

Sensor Technology and Detection Capabilities

Modern sorting machines use advanced sensor technologies to identify defects and categorize products based on color, size, shape, weight, and structural integrity. Optical sensors are commonly used in peanut and rice sorters to detect discolored grains, mold, stones, or broken kernels.

Some machines employ a single detection method, while others combine multiple technologies—such as visible light cameras, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, and laser scanning—for higher precision. The 5.0.3.3.2/12.6 R-P poultry sorter, for instance, uses a load cell weighing system to classify products into pre-defined weight categories, ensuring uniform packaging and reducing waste.

Machine Dimensions and Design

The physical size of a sorting machine must align with available space and integration requirements. Industrial-grade machines are larger, often requiring dedicated flooring, ventilation, and utility connections. They are built with stainless steel frames for durability and easy sanitation.

In contrast, compact or handheld models are designed for small operations or spot-checking, offering portability and simplicity. Understanding your facility’s layout and workflow is crucial when selecting a machine that fits seamlessly into your production line without causing bottlenecks.

User Interface and Control System

Advanced sorting machines come equipped with intuitive human-machine interfaces (HMI), such as touchscreen panels, that allow operators to set sorting criteria, monitor performance, and adjust settings in real time. The 5.0.3.3.2/12.6 R-P model includes a touchscreen HMI, enabling users to define weight ranges and product categories quickly.

These interfaces improve operational efficiency and reduce training time, especially in facilities with frequent product changeovers or seasonal variations in raw materials.

Infeed and Receiving Systems

The design of the infeed and receiving conveyors affects material flow and sorting accuracy. The 5.0.3.3.2/12.6 R-P machine features a 1-meter-wide main infeed conveyor and a 0.8-meter-wide receiving bucket conveyor, ensuring smooth transfer of poultry products while minimizing jams or misfeeds.

Proper alignment and synchronization between these components are vital to maintain consistent product spacing and accurate sensor readings, especially at high speeds.

Specification	Typical Range	Application Notes
Conveyor Width	0.5 – 1.5 m	Wider belts suit bulkier or higher-volume products like rice; narrower for peanuts or seeds
Sorting Capacity	100 – 2000 kg/h or units/h	Select based on production volume; higher capacity requires more power and space
Sensor Types	Optical, NIR, Laser, Load Cell	Combine sensors for multi-criteria sorting (color, weight, composition)
Machine Size	Compact to Industrial	Measure installation area; industrial units need service access and utilities
Control Interface	Touchscreen HMI / Basic Panel	Touchscreens allow faster setup and better data tracking

Essential Maintenance Practices for Sorting Machines

To ensure long-term reliability, consistent performance, and compliance with food safety standards, regular maintenance is crucial. Neglecting upkeep can lead to contamination, inaccurate sorting, and costly downtime.

Daily Cleaning and Sanitization: Remove food residues, dust, and debris from conveyor belts, chutes, and sensors. Use mild, non-corrosive cleaners and disinfectants recommended by the manufacturer to prevent microbial growth and cross-contamination.

Sensor and Camera Care: Gently clean optical sensors and cameras with soft, lint-free cloths to avoid scratches. Dust or smudges can impair detection accuracy, leading to mis-sorting or rejected good products.

Lubrication of Moving Parts: Apply food-grade lubricants to bearings, chains, and rollers as per the maintenance schedule. Avoid over-lubrication, which can attract dust and contaminate products.

Regular Calibration: Calibrate sensors and weighing systems frequently to maintain sorting accuracy. Changes in temperature, humidity, or product batches can affect performance, so scheduled recalibration ensures consistency.

Wear and Tear Inspection: Check for signs of belt wear, misalignment, loose components, or damaged ejection valves. Replace worn parts promptly using OEM-compatible components to preserve machine integrity.

Software and Settings Management: Familiarize yourself with the machine’s control system to adjust sorting parameters as needed. Update firmware if available, and back up custom sorting profiles for quick restoration.

Important: Always consult the manufacturer’s manual for model-specific maintenance procedures and safety guidelines. Using incompatible parts or harsh cleaning agents can damage sensitive components and void warranties. Proper maintenance not only extends the machine’s lifespan but also ensures food safety, regulatory compliance, and optimal sorting efficiency.

Top Industrial Applications of Sorting Machines for Sale

With the rapid growth of food processing, mining, recycling, and sustainable manufacturing industries worldwide, the demand for advanced industrial sorting machines is surging. These automated systems enhance productivity, improve quality control, and reduce labor costs across multiple sectors. While food quality inspection remains a leading application, sorting machines are now indispensable in diverse industries—from mineral extraction to circular economy initiatives.

Food Processing & Quality Assurance

Industrial sorting machines are most widely recognized for their role in food safety and quality control. They use high-resolution cameras, lasers, and AI-powered vision systems to inspect and grade food products based on size, weight, color, ripeness, shape, and defects.

• Automatically detect and remove foreign materials such as stones, plastic, insects, and rotten produce from raw ingredients
• Sort fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and pulses into premium, standard, and reject categories based on market standards
• Used in meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy processing for contamination detection and portion grading
• Improve yield and consistency in bakery and confectionery production lines
• Reduce reliance on manual labor while increasing throughput and hygiene compliance

Key benefit: Ensures only high-quality, safe food reaches consumers, supporting brand reputation and regulatory compliance.

Mining & Mineral Processing

Sorting machines have revolutionized mining operations by enabling efficient separation of valuable ores from waste rock—reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

• Utilize color, spectral, X-ray transmission (XRT), and laser sensors to identify diamonds, copper, gold, coal, and other minerals
• Optical sorters analyze surface characteristics, while XRT machines detect internal density differences for more accurate sorting
• Air-jet ejection systems precisely divert target materials into designated chutes at high speeds
• Enable pre-concentration, reducing the volume of material sent to mills and lowering processing costs
• Ideal for both large-scale mining and small artisanal operations seeking higher recovery rates

Pro insight: Modern sensor-based sorting can replace traditional methods like dense media separation, offering faster, cleaner, and more sustainable processing.

Recycling & Waste Management

Automated sorting is the backbone of modern Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs), making single-stream recycling economically viable and environmentally effective.

• Use near-infrared (NIR), visible light, and metal detection sensors to identify plastic types (PET, HDPE, PP), paper, cardboard, glass, and metals
• Robotic arms and air jets separate mixed recyclables from contaminants with high precision
• Enable cities and municipalities to process millions of tons of waste annually, diverting material from landfills
• Support circular economy goals by recovering reusable resources for remanufacturing
• Reduce contamination rates and improve the quality of recycled feedstock

Environmental impact: Sorting machines help achieve recycling rates of over 60% in advanced facilities, significantly reducing carbon footprint and resource depletion.

Textile & Apparel Recycling

As sustainability becomes a priority in fashion, automated textile sorting machines are transforming the second-hand clothing and fiber recycling industries.

• Classify used garments by fabric type (cotton, polyester, wool), color, condition, and intended reuse (resale, shredding, or fiber regeneration)
• Support large thrift stores, charity organizations, and resale platforms in maximizing the value of donated clothing
• Feed clean, sorted fibers into mechanical or chemical recycling processes to produce new textiles
• Help brands meet ESG goals by enabling closed-loop recycling programs
• Reduce landfill waste—over 90% of discarded textiles can be repurposed with proper sorting

Growth trend: The global textile recycling market is projected to double by 2030, driven by automation and regulatory pressure.

Plastic Lumber & Composite Manufacturing

Sorting machines play a vital role in producing high-quality recycled plastic lumber used in decking, fencing, and outdoor furniture.

• Separate post-consumer and post-industrial plastics by resin type and color to ensure consistent material properties
• Remove contaminants like paper labels, metals, and non-target polymers that compromise product strength
• Enable manufacturers to create durable, weather-resistant building materials from recycled content
• Support green construction initiatives and reduce dependence on virgin plastic
• Improve batch consistency and reduce downtime in extrusion lines

Sustainability advantage: One ton of recycled plastic lumber can divert up to 50,000 plastic bottles from oceans and landfills.

Additional Emerging Applications

Beyond traditional industries, sorting technology is expanding into new frontiers.

• Pharmaceuticals: Tablet and capsule inspection for size, color, and defects
• E-Waste Recycling: Recovery of precious metals and rare earth elements from circuit boards and devices
• Agriculture: Seed sorting for viability, size, and varietal purity
• Wood Processing: Grading lumber by knots, grain, and moisture content
• Waste-to-Energy: Pre-sorting refuse-derived fuel (RDF) for optimal combustion

Future outlook: Integration with AI, machine learning, and IoT enables smarter, self-optimizing sorting systems with real-time data analytics.

Expert Recommendation: When purchasing a sorting machine, consider the specific material characteristics, throughput requirements, and desired purity levels. Opt for modular systems that allow sensor upgrades and scalability. For mixed-material environments, multi-sensor platforms (combining NIR, color, and XRT) deliver the highest accuracy and return on investment.

Industry	Primary Sorting Criteria	Common Technologies Used	Key Benefits
Food Processing	Color, size, shape, defects, foreign material	Camera vision, lasers, AI imaging	Improved safety, higher yield, reduced labor
Mining	Mineral composition, density, color	XRT, optical sensors, laser	Lower energy use, higher recovery, less waste
Recycling	Polymer type, material category	NIR, metal detection, color sensors	Higher purity, faster processing, lower costs
Textiles	Fabric type, color, condition	Hyperspectral imaging, AI classification	Increased resale value, better recycling rates
Plastic Lumber	Resin type, color, contamination	NIR, color sorters, metal detectors	Consistent quality, sustainable production

Why Invest in a Sorting Machine?

• Operational Efficiency: Automate repetitive tasks and increase processing speed by up to 10x compared to manual sorting
• Cost Savings: Reduce labor costs and minimize product waste through precise grading
• Quality Control: Achieve consistent, traceable results that meet industry and regulatory standards
• Sustainability: Support environmental goals by improving recycling rates and reducing landfill use
• Scalability: Modular designs allow expansion as production needs grow
• Data Integration: Modern machines offer real-time monitoring, performance analytics, and remote diagnostics

How to Choose Sorting Machines for Sale: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide

Selecting the right sorting machine for sale is a critical investment for any business involved in manufacturing, food processing, recycling, pharmaceuticals, or logistics. A well-chosen system can significantly improve efficiency, reduce waste, enhance product quality, and lower long-term operational costs. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to help business buyers make informed decisions when purchasing a sorting machine tailored to their specific needs.

Important Note: Choosing the wrong sorting machine can lead to production bottlenecks, increased downtime, and higher maintenance costs. Take time to evaluate your requirements thoroughly before making a purchase decision.

1. Define Your Product Characteristics and Application Goals

The first and most crucial step in selecting a sorting machine is clearly identifying the physical and chemical properties of the materials you intend to sort. Consider the following factors:

• Material Type: Is it food (fruits, vegetables, grains), recyclables (plastics, metals), pharmaceuticals, or industrial components?
• Size and Shape: Uniformity or variability in dimensions affects sensor compatibility and feeding mechanisms.
• Weight and Density: Critical for air-based or vibratory sorting systems.
• Color, Texture, and Surface Finish: Important for optical and camera-based sorting technologies.
• Magnetic or Conductive Properties: Relevant for metal detection and eddy current separators.

Clearly defining your sorting purpose—such as removing contaminants, grading by quality, separating materials, or packaging preparation—will help narrow down suitable models and technologies.

2. Evaluate Machine Customization and Flexibility

Modern sorting machines offer various levels of customization. For industries like food processing, where hygiene and precision are paramount, look for systems that provide:

• Adjustable Sorting Parameters: Ability to fine-tune sensitivity, thresholds, and rejection criteria based on product type.
• Calibration Options: Easy recalibration for seasonal or batch-specific variations (e.g., different fruit varieties).
• User-Friendly Software Interfaces: Touchscreen controls, intuitive dashboards, and remote monitoring capabilities.
• Scalability: Machines that support future upgrades in sensors, software, or throughput capacity.
• Integration Compatibility: Support for integration with existing conveyor systems, PLCs, or SCADA systems.

A flexible, modular design ensures your investment remains viable as your production needs evolve, avoiding costly replacements down the line.

3. Understand Different Types of Sorting Technologies

Sorting machines use various technologies depending on the application. Matching the right technology to your use case is essential for optimal performance:

Sorting Technology	How It Works	Best For	Limits
Optical (Color & Shape)	Uses cameras and image processing to detect color, shape, and surface defects	Food grading, plastic sorting, defect detection	Less effective with translucent or overlapping items
X-Ray Sorting	Detects internal defects, foreign objects (bones, stones), and density differences	Meat, poultry, seafood, pharmaceuticals	Higher cost; requires safety shielding
Laser Sorting	Measures surface structure and composition using laser reflection	Plastic recycling, fruit quality sorting	Sensitive to surface moisture and dust
Electromagnetic (Metal Detection)	Identifies ferrous and non-ferrous metals using magnetic fields	Food safety, pharmaceuticals, textiles	Only detects metallic contaminants
Eddy Current Separators	Repels non-ferrous metals using magnetic fields	Recycling facilities, scrap processing	Ineffective on ferrous metals
Weight-Based Sorting	Uses load cells to sort by mass	Packaging, portion control, agriculture	Slower throughput; limited to size/weight correlation

4. Assess Performance Metrics: Speed, Accuracy, and Throughput

Efficiency is a key factor when choosing a sorting machine. Evaluate the following performance indicators:

• Throughput (Items per Minute): Must align with your production line speed to prevent bottlenecks.
• Sorting Accuracy: Look for machines with high detection rates (typically >95%) and low false rejection rates.
• Rejection Mechanism: Pneumatic air jets, pushers, or diverters should be reliable and precise.
• Downtime and Maintenance Frequency: Choose machines designed for easy cleaning and minimal servicing.

Request real-world performance data or case studies from the supplier to validate claims under conditions similar to your operation.

5. Consider Installation, Integration, and Technical Requirements

Ensure the sorting machine can be seamlessly integrated into your current setup:

• Check space requirements, power supply needs, and environmental conditions (e.g., washdown capability for food plants).
• Verify compatibility with existing conveyors, control systems, and data networks.
• Ask about installation support—some suppliers offer on-site setup and commissioning services.
• Confirm whether compressed air, cooling, or additional utilities are required.

6. Review Warranty, Support, and Service Agreements

Given the complexity and cost of industrial sorting machines, a comprehensive warranty is essential:

• Look for warranties of at least 1–2 years covering parts and labor.
• Ensure the warranty terms clearly define what is covered (e.g., sensors, software, mechanical components).
• Inquire about extended service contracts, spare parts availability, and response times for technical support.
• Choose suppliers with local service technicians or reliable remote diagnostics.

Expert Tip: Request a live demonstration or trial run of the sorting machine using your actual product. This allows you to assess real-world performance, ease of use, and integration potential before committing to a purchase.

7. Research User Feedback and Training Needs

Customer reviews and testimonials provide valuable insights into long-term reliability and user experience:

• Search for independent reviews, industry forums, or case studies from similar businesses.
• Identify common complaints such as software glitches, mechanical failures, or poor customer support.
• Assess the level of technical expertise required to operate and maintain the machine.
• Determine whether operator training is provided by the supplier and if ongoing support is available.

If your team lacks experience with automated sorting systems, opt for machines with intuitive interfaces and comprehensive training programs.

Final Recommendations

• Always request a detailed product specification sheet and compare multiple vendors.
• Consider total cost of ownership (TCO), including energy consumption, maintenance, and consumables.
• Choose a supplier with a proven track record in your industry sector.
• Ensure compliance with relevant safety and hygiene standards (e.g., FDA, CE, IP69K for washdown environments).
• Plan for future scalability—invest in a machine that can grow with your business.

By following this structured approach, business buyers can confidently select a sorting machine for sale that meets their current operational demands and supports long-term growth. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the most cost-effective—prioritize performance, reliability, and support to maximize your return on investment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sorting Machines for Sale

Q1: Why are sorting machines essential for the food industry?

Sorting machines are a cornerstone of modern food processing, playing a vital role in ensuring product safety, consistency, and regulatory compliance. These systems are engineered to detect and remove contaminants such as stones, glass, metal, plastic, and other foreign materials that may enter the production line during harvesting or processing.

• Quality Assurance: By automatically identifying and ejecting defective or contaminated items, sorting machines maintain high standards of food purity and freshness.
• Consumer Safety: Removing hazardous materials protects consumers from potential health risks, reducing the likelihood of recalls and liability issues.
• Brand Protection: Consistently delivering clean, high-quality products strengthens consumer trust and enhances brand reputation.
• Regulatory Compliance: Food safety standards such as HACCP, FDA, and EU regulations require rigorous contamination control—automated sorting helps companies meet these mandates and avoid costly fines or shutdowns.

In industries ranging from fruits and vegetables to grains, nuts, and seafood, soil sorting machines and optical sorters have become indispensable tools for maintaining hygiene and operational excellence.

Q2: How have sorting machines impacted industrial productivity?

The integration of automated sorting machines into industrial operations has revolutionized production efficiency, significantly reducing reliance on manual labor while improving throughput and accuracy.

• Increased Throughput: Modern sorting machines can process thousands of items per minute—far exceeding human capabilities in speed and endurance.
• Labor Cost Reduction: Automation minimizes the need for large inspection teams, lowering operational costs and reducing human error associated with repetitive tasks.
• Improved Yield and Precision: Advanced detection technologies ensure minimal product waste by accurately distinguishing between defective and acceptable items, maximizing usable output.
• Versatility Across Applications: Many sorting machines are programmable and can be reconfigured for different products, sizes, and defect types, making them adaptable to diverse processing lines—from agricultural sorting to pharmaceuticals and recycling.

By streamlining the inspection process and enabling continuous operation, sorting machines contribute directly to higher productivity, better resource utilization, and improved return on investment for food processors and manufacturers.

Q3: What are some recent advancements in sorting machine technology?

Recent innovations in sorting technology have dramatically enhanced performance, intelligence, and flexibility, making modern machines more powerful and user-friendly than ever before.

• AI and Machine Learning: Artificial intelligence enables machines to "learn" from vast datasets, improving recognition accuracy over time. AI-powered systems can identify subtle defects, color variations, and shape irregularities that traditional sensors might miss.
• Advanced Electro-Optical Sensors: High-resolution cameras, hyperspectral imaging, and near-infrared (NIR) sensors allow for detailed analysis of internal and external product qualities, including sugar content, moisture levels, and ripeness.
• Smart Automation Integration: Modern sorters seamlessly integrate with factory-wide control systems (e.g., SCADA, IoT platforms), enabling real-time monitoring, remote diagnostics, and predictive maintenance.
• Customizable Software Interfaces: User-friendly touchscreens and software allow operators to quickly adjust settings, create sorting profiles, and monitor performance without technical expertise.
• Sustainability Features: Newer models are designed for energy efficiency and reduced water usage, supporting eco-friendly manufacturing goals.

These advancements not only improve sorting accuracy but also make the machines more adaptable to evolving industry needs, positioning them as critical assets in smart factories and Industry 4.0 environments.