By applying high-resolution cameras, the sorting system can identify different materials based on their color, particle shape and specific surface pattern.  The materials can be analyzed independently by defining specific wavelengths within visible light range of 400-700 nm or by color pattern matching with predefined color criteria.

Hyperspectral analysis in infra-red light, provides detection of unique spectral signatures that correspond to different materials. By analyzing narrow wavelength bands in the range of 900-2500 nm, different materials provide variable light reflectance which can be characteristic for their chemical properties.

X-ray fluorescence technology is based on elemental analysis, which can be further redefined to the exact chemical composition of sorted materials. By exposing materials to X-rays every atom can generate fluorescent radiation with characteristic frequency, which can be matched with reference material samples.   

Radioactivity sensors are mainly based on detection of gamma rays generated by radioactive materials. High detection sensitivity allows detecting natural radioactivity in different minerals, which can be used for their sorting. Selective detection of higher radioactivity levels can be applied to enrichment of nuclear fuels and processing of nuclear wastes.   

Detection of magnetic properties is applicable in sorting of ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, diamagnetic and paramagnetic materials. This technology can mainly be applied to metal recycling, however, by detecting weakly magnetic materials, such sensors can also be applied in mining industry for separation of different minerals. 

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy technology, utilizes a high-intensity laser that creates a small plasma spot, which after cooling, emits a specific light wavelength being characteristic to different elements. LIBS can accurately determine the elemental composition of the material, allowing for targeted sorting based on chemical properties.

Applying single sensors can often provide insufficient information about the analyzed material. Sorting with multiple sensors can bring much more information about the properties of the sorted particles, allowing for higher sorting efficiency and better material identification accuracy. Multiple sensors can work in different combinations and hierarchies.