Dematic unveils Silky Crossbelt sorter for Southeast Asia logistics

Dematic has announced the launch of its latest sorting technology, the Silky Crossbelt sorter, developed to address the evolving logistical demands of the Asia-Pacific region.

The global supply chain automation company revealed the new system at its Singapore facility, highlighting its commitment to providing tailored solutions for the region's dynamic distribution and fulfilment needs.

The Silky Crossbelt sorter, designed and manufactured in China, features an adaptive and modular build. According to Dematic, the lightweight system is intended for seamless integration into existing logistics setups, offering flexibility across a range of industrial applications.

"Dematic created Silky in response to the increasingly complex sorting demands of the APAC region," said Steve Cheung, Senior Vice President – President Asia, China & MEA, Dematic. "Its design combines advanced technology with a deep understanding of industry-specific applications. Our goal was operational efficiency, simplifying the management of intricate order consolidations, batch picking, and significantly enhancing order fulfilment."

The system is suited for high-volume industries such as apparel, food and beverage, grocery, and consumer goods. It is capable of handling hundreds of stock keeping units (SKUs) for cross-docking operations and processing returns.

As distribution centres and logistics hubs around the world manage millions of items daily, the role of automation has become increasingly vital. Order fulfilment activities can make up as much as 90% of a facility's operating costs, driven by labour-intensive tasks and complex coordination between personnel, systems, and technology.

"In response to increasing volumes, shorter processing times, and rising operational costs, sortation equipment can significantly improve productivity, throughput, and accuracy," the company stated.

Cheung emphasised that the Silky Crossbelt sorter marks a pivotal development in the evolution of industrial automation. "The launch of the Silky Crossbelt sorter is a significant step forward in industrial automation," he said. "It represents the transition from manual processes into highly efficient, automated operations."

With this release, Dematic reiterated its focus on improving logistics performance through innovation, particularly in the Asia-Pacific market. The Silky Crossbelt sorter is part of its broader efforts to support clients in adapting to a rapidly shifting logistics landscape.

"This latest innovation reinforces Dematic's dedication to continuous improvement in logistics technology, positioning itself as a pivotal partner in helping businesses throughout the Asia-Pacific region achieve sustained success," said Cheung.