He Worked On Producing Oxygen On Mars, Now He Builds Cannabis Robots: The Fascinating Story Of Sorting Robotics

"I worked on a project called MOXIE, which is currently on Mars producing oxygen from its atmosphere," says Nohtal Partansky, founder of Sorting Robotics. It's a statement that feels plucked from a sci-fi movie, but it's the prelude to a career shift that's redefining cannabis manufacturing.

Armed with a degree in aerospace engineering and a stint at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Partansky initially seemed destined to remain among the stars. However, his drive to solve real-world problems brought him back to Earth. In 2018, he and his co-founder launched Sorting Robotics with just $6,000 in seed money. The company initially focused on developing automation technologies for other industries, testing the waters of robotics in various sectors.

In 2020, a hands-on foray into the cannabis industry changed everything. "I co-founded a co-packing company with friends, managing 30 trimmers and packaging flower for California brands. That experience taught me what operators truly need," he said. Observing the inefficiencies of manual processes, Partansky saw an opportunity to transform cannabis manufacturing with robotics.

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Out of this pivot came two groundbreaking machines: the Goo Robot and the Stardust system. "The Goo Robot is designed for live resin-infused joints," Partansky told Benzinga. By automating the precise injection of concentrates into pre-rolls, the machine ensures uniformity and scalability—essential for cannabis operators looking to meet growing consumer demand. Meanwhile, the Stardust system addressed the labor-intensive task of kief-coating pre-rolls, a product category popularized by brands like Jeeter.

Priced at $75,000 for the Goo Robot and $240,000 for the Stardust system, these machines are an investment that quickly pays off. "Almost all of our customers see a return on investment within a year," says Partansky. The quick ROI stems from the automation of time-consuming tasks, allowing operators to scale their production without adding significant labor costs.

"The principles are the same," Partansky says, reflecting on his NASA experience. "Whether it's a robot on Mars or one in a cannabis facility, the focus is on precision, scalability and problem-solving." This engineering expertise, combined with a deep understanding of cannabis operations, has made Sorting Robotics a pivotal player in the industry.

The Economic Case For Automation

Sorting Robotics didn't merely enter the cannabis space, it reshaped it with machines that solve labor-intensive challenges while delivering unmatched precision. Designed for live resin-infused and kief-coated pre-rolls, the Goo Robot and Stardust system have become indispensable tools for manufacturers aiming to scale their operations.

"Before the Goo Robot, the infusion process was entirely manual," says Partansky. "Operators couldn't scale efficiently, and product consistency was a constant challenge." By automating this intricate task, the Goo Robot allows producers to create cold-infused joints—popularly known as “donut” joints or “donut holes”—with ease and consistency.

The Stardust system similarly tackles a common bottleneck. "Joints coated in cannabis concentrates are incredibly popular," Partansky explains. "Brands like Jeeter rely on them, but manual production limits scalability. Our Stardust system changes that by automating the coating process with robotic arms." This innovation eliminates variability, ensuring consistent quality while reducing labor costs.

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While the engineering behind these systems is complex, their economic advantages are straightforward. "A $100,000 machine may seem costly," Partansky acknowledges, "but it's less than the annual salary of a couple of employees. And a machine doesn't get tired, make mistakes or take breaks." Automation also provides manufacturers with the reliability needed to compete in an increasingly saturated market.

Sorting Robotics' systems are scalable, appealing to a wide range of operators. "Our Goo Robot baseline is around 20,000 joints a month," Partansky notes. "That's about 10 pounds of flower per week—not an unrealistic figure even for smaller operators." Whether a business is a boutique grower or a multi-state operator, automation simplifies expansion and minimizes labor dependency.

Interest in Sorting Robotics' systems extends beyond North America, with inquiries coming from countries like Germany. However, regulatory instability in emerging markets remains a hurdle. "Operators in international markets are cautious because the regulations aren't stable yet," Partansky explains. "Once these markets mature, the demand for automation will explode."

Partansky emphasizes that customer collaboration has been crucial to the company's success. "We work closely with our customers to refine our systems. Their feedback is invaluable in helping us innovate." This partnership model ensures that Sorting Robotics stays ahead of market trends while continuing to meet the evolving needs of cannabis manufacturers.

Future Of Cannabis Automation

As Sorting Robotics solidifies its position as a leader in cannabis manufacturing, Partansky is already looking ahead. Goo Robot and Stardust have set a high standard for automation, but for Partansky, these advancements are just the beginning. His next frontier? Quality control and end-of-line packaging—areas ripe for technological disruption.

"Quality control doesn't need to be done by humans," he says. "With a combination of robotic sensors and neural networks, we can simulate human judgment to ensure that every joint meets top-tier standards." Most quality checks in cannabis production are manual, relying on operators to spot flaws such as uneven packing, stems poking through pre-rolls or incorrect weights. Automating these checks would save time and improve consistency, ensuring that only flawless products reach consumers.

Partansky envisions a future where cannabis manufacturing mirrors the efficiency of a Coca-Cola bottling plant but with flexibility tailored to the industry's unique demands. "We're imagining a system where joints are scanned, categorized as ‘go' or ‘no-go,' and seamlessly packaged," he explains. "The variability in cannabis requires machines that can handle endless formats and specifications, unlike the standardized lines in food and beverage industries."

This adaptability is key, as cannabis manufacturing remains highly fragmented. "The industry hasn't matured to the point where we have just a few standard form factors," Partansky explains. "There are so many variations in cartridges, pre-rolls and edibles. Our machines need to be flexible enough to accommodate that."

Despite regulatory hurdles in emerging markets, Partansky is optimistic about the future of cannabis automation. Drawing parallels to the candy industry, he explains how products once dismissed as novelties became foundational. "Cannabis is following a similar trajectory. The products we think of as trends today are laying the foundation for tomorrow's market."

For Sorting Robotics, this means staying ahead of the curve by anticipating the needs of an evolving industry. "Our goal is to build tools that not only solve today's problems but also prepare businesses for what's next," says Partansky. "As the industry grows, so do the challenges—and we're here to solve them."

Images courtesy of Sorting Robotics.