News Release

April 8, 2026

SLASH（VQS Series）

Hiroshima, Japan; April 8, 2026 - Satake announces the global expansion of SLASH (Model: VQS Series) modular range of compact optical sorters after successful launch in Japan.

The Slash series of optical sorters, showcases Satake's latest technological innovations and customer-centered design. It delivers precision sorting with maximized efficiency and minimized loss of product, maintaining Satake's unwavering commitment to quality and durability. Satake has successfully introduced the Slash optical sorter to the Japanese market and has now modified the series for launch in the global market.

This optical sorter achieves exceptional sorting accuracy and yield thanks to a suite of innovative technologies. High efficiency ejector valves reduce removal of good products, boosting overall yield. The advanced optical unit combines visible light with multi-wavelength infrared detection to identify defects with high precision. Advanced shape-sorting function further enhances accuracy by filtering out defective items based on shape, while finely tuned pattern control ensures precise compressed air ejection. To simplify setup, the system features proprietary "Satake Smart Sensitivity" technology, which automatically generates calibration curves, making even complex sorting parameters easy to configure.

Maintenance is easier than ever thanks to highly durable consumable parts, like the long-lasting LED light source, and a user-friendly design that allows quick cleaning of components in contact with the materials. The sorter's reduced height of 1,450 mm also helps cut installation costs, especially when upgrading from an existing model.

Satake Europe Ltd. (UK) showcased this technology at Agritechnica 2025 in Hannover, Germany, from 9 to 15 November. Visitors had the chance to experience live demonstrations of the new Slash modular optical sorter, engineered for high-precision sorting of raw products. Customers were impressed by the system's ability to identify and remove even the smallest defects and subtle color variations with exceptional precision. They also commended its compact, modular design, which provides flexibility and space-saving advantages for modern processing facilities.

Satake stand with Slash (Model: VQS01BM) at Agritechnica 2025

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Appendix

[About Slash Modular Series]

1.Model lineup

Available as one, two or three module units all controlled with one touch screen. Single and double modules can have additional modules added on site allowing for capacity expansion. Each module has the option of full chute or split chute to create flexible resort options. Combining multiple modules offers a broad range of resort configurations to meet the needs of all customers.

2.New technology & functions

＜Equipped with high efficiency ejector＞

1.Satake's improved high efficiency ejector valves reduce accept products rejected together with defects, result in higher product yield.

2.Lower power consumption.

3.Lowering air consumption.

＜Optical unit・light source・shape selection function・ejector valve control＞

The optical section features full-color cameras along with NIR and SWIR cameras. Key innovations include:

1.Satake Smart Sensitivity software allows users to simply drop accepts and reject product into the sorter, the system rapidly analyses the data and uses multiple algorithms to automatically create the sort settings.

2.Advanced Shape Sorting: a newly added function enables the system to identify and sort defective items based on shape, even when they originate from the same raw material, for example, broken beans during bean sorting.

3.Enhanced Lighting System: Satake's patented image processing technology utilizes 4-colour LEDs plus IR LEDs, dramatically improving sorting accuracy.

4.Multiple Defect Ejection Timings: Ensures precise ejection of defects with different densities, further reducing product loss.

Optical section image

＜Durability・ Easy maintenance・Cost reduction＞

1.Lower Maintenance Costs: durable consumables such as the LED light sources, which outlast CCFLs by 1.5 times, help reduce maintenance expenses.

2.Easy Access for Cleaning: the tank cover and optical unit open and close easily, while the hopper and defective product outlet are simple to remove, making cleaning and maintenance faster and more efficient.

3.Quick Start-Up: with LED lighting used throughout, start-up standby time is just 5 minutes.

4.Energy-Saving Standby Mode: The system automatically switches to standby when idle, helping reduce power consumption.

5.Reduced installation costs: The machine stands at 1,450 mm tall.

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*Please note descriptions in news releases are accurate as of the date of release and may differ from the most up-to-date information.