Sorting Robotics Jiko vs. Hefestus AuraX: Which Pre-Roll Machine is Better?

When production plateaus, labor costs skyrocket, quality and consistency begin to waver, it’s time to get real about cannabis automation. 

If you know these challenges all too well, you’re likely comparing pre-roll automation machines like the Jiko from Sorting Robotics or the AuraX from Hefestus. While both machines are highly efficient and support scaling, they’re designed to serve different types of operations.

In the end, the differences between machines will significantly impact your facility’s ultimate success and bottom line. That’s why we’ve put together a complete guide to help you compare each machine and how they vary in production volume, capabilities, price, and more. 

Keep reading to get the side-by-side comparison of the Sorting Robotics Jiko and Hefestus AuraX to decide which is right for your business, as it stands today, and what you want it to achieve in the future. 

Sorting Robotics Jiko vs. Hefestus AuraX: Quick Comparison

Machine	Estimated Production Volume	Production Capabilities	Training & Support	Estimated Price	Notable Customers
Hefestus AuraX	2,000+/hr	Cones, straight rolls, and every other pre-roll shape and size; every kind of infused pre-roll	Full week of on-site training and SOP development; 24/7 support from technicians in US and abroad	$230k	AWH, Verano, Lowell Herb Co, STIIZY, MUNCHIES!, Juicy Joints, Jetleaf, High Grade
Sorting Robotics Jiko	Up to 1,000/hr	Pre-rolls, blunts, cones, and straight tubes of any size	Installation assistance and remote onboarding; U.S.-based technical support	$40k	Blenz Cannabis, SunMed Growers

Sorting Robotics Jiko Overview

The Sorting Robotics Jiko machine is one of the most compact automated cone-filling machines on the market today. It’s made for small- to mid-sized producers taking their first step into pre-roll automation. 

You’ll notice we say “cone-filling” machine rather than “automated pre-roll filling machine,” since the Jiko is designed to fill pre-roll cones rather than other formats. It does so with its auger-based dosing system for a simple, entry-level solution. 

While the system is capable of reducing manual labor without requiring a full-scale industrial setup, its design is prohibitive for future growth for operations that desire to expand into other SKUs, including blunts, straight-rolls, infused materials, etc. 

However, if you’re looking for a modern design that offers intuitive plug-and-play operation, the Jiko can definitely suffice. It’s user-friendly and supports facilities that are seeking to streamline workflows while improving consistency by reducing human error. 

The Jiko produces up to 1,000 pre-rolls per hour, depending on operator efficiency and material type. This type of output aligns with small- to mid-volume operators, but isn’t as ideal for high-volume throughput as the AuraX.

Its auger-filling method offers flexibility with different grind sizes, but leads to variability in density and airflow from joint to joint. So, while it can provide consistency, it’s best if you’re running smaller batches and value affordability over speed or ease of use. 

The Jiko focuses exclusively on pre-manufactured cones, limiting SKU variability. While it handles standard flower and lightly infused material, it isn’t ideal for other materials, such as diamonds and live rosin, that are growing in popularity. 

To set up, Sorting Robotics offers installation assistance, remote onboarding, and access to its U.S.-based technical support team. Again, its intuitive design features a user-friendly interface and requires less training than enterprise-grade systems. 

With that said, more of the day-to-day maintenance and calibration will be the operator’s responsibility, unlike the more hands-on training and support programs offered by Hefestus, which include customized SOP development. 

All in all, the Jiko’s primary advantage for smaller operators is its affordability. Its pricing ranges from $30 to $50k, with financing available. This makes it one of the most accessible automated solutions on the market today, but future growth should be considered. 

While operators may achieve a quick ROI from labor savings alone, the Jiko limits long-term profitability due to lower output and single-SKU design. This makes Sorting Robotics’ machine a short-term solution for new operators until they upgrade to higher-output systems, like the Aura X. 

Pros

• Affordable Entry Point: The Jiko is one of the most accessible automated solutions on the market for small- to mid-sized producers.
• User-Friendly Operation: Its intuitive design requires minimal training compared to enterprise-grade systems, enabling operators to streamline workflows quickly.
• Compact Footprint: As one of the most compact automated cone-filling machines, it enables operations to reduce manual labor without requiring a full-scale industrial setup.

Cons

• Limited Growth Potential: The Jiko’s single-format design supports only pre-manufactured cones, limiting expansion as operations scale.
• Inconsistent Fill Quality: Its auger-filling method leads to variability in density and airflow, resulting in inconsistent product consistency compared to advanced machines.
• Lower Throughput Capacity: Producing up to 1,000 pre-rolls per hour, the Jiko’s output is significantly lower than high-volume systems, potentially limiting long-term profitability.

Best For

The Jiko by Sorting Robotics is best for small- to mid-sized operators producing pre-roll cones in small-batch runs. If you’re a small or startup operation that’s focusing solely on cone production, the Jiko offers an affordable plug-and-play entry point that helps reduce labor costs and streamlines workflows with a small footprint, and without the complexity of enterprise systems. 

Its intuitive interface means minimal training time, however it’s limited in SKU versatility; you’ll likely need to upgrade as you scale or diversify your product line.

Hefestus AuraX Overview

If you’re a small or mid-sized operation with plans to be a high-volume producer or an enterprise-sized operation, you’ll need equipment that can scale with you. That’s where the Hefestus AuraX comes into the conversation. 

At Hefestus, we bring over 30 years of automation expertise and over a decade in cannabis manufacturing, and it shows up in the AuraX, our flagship pre-roll machine. 

This fully automated pre-roll system is engineered for speed and precision, with high throughput that smaller systems like Jiko can’t match. 

Beyond achieving high-volume capacity, the AuraX prioritizes quality and consistency and is specifically engineered to fill, fold, and finish every pre-roll type, including pre-roll cones, straight-rolls, infused materials, and blunts, with no retooling or changeovers required. 

While the Jiko is built for compact entry-level use, the AuraX is built for scalable, industrial-grade throughput. It produces over 2,000 pre-rolls per hour with just one operator, significantly outpacing auger-fed systems, in both volume and reliability. 

For operators, the power to replace three or more full-time staff while producing maximum volume is a game-changer. With dramatically reduced labor costs, the AuraX is ideal for MSOs, co-packers, and established brands producing 10,000-30,000+ pre-rolls monthly. 

With this maximized output, you won’t lose out on quality or consistency thanks to AuraX’s compression-and-fold process, which provides consistent pack density and airflow that auger mechanisms struggle to maintain. 

Beyond versatility in SKUs, the AuraX is also built to grow with you. It supports streamlining workflows even further with add-ons like the Weight Checker for inline validation and the AutoTube for automated packaging, adding depth to automation as you scale and grow. 

All in all, this flexibility represents a proper long-term solution for profitability. The AuraX gives you the power to automate nearly every type of pre-roll, with the quality and consistency to retain customers and the efficiency to support your operation’s bottom line. 

It’s not just manufacturing that gives AuraX the edge over other machines; it’s also the training and support we provide. Every purchase includes five days of on-site setup and training, during which technicians create customized SOPs for each product type your facility produces. 

Of course, after installation, the support we offer continues. The AuraX machine comes with 24/7 global support from our engineering teams in the U.S and Israel, ensuring maximum uptime for your operation and allowing you to keep up with demand to preserve essential relationships. 

Lastly, let’s talk price. For systems capable of scaling to enterprise-sized operations, you can expect a price that matches. That’s true of the AuraX, which costs around $230,000. Even though the investment is larger than Jiko’s, you’ll achieve ROI faster and be able to grow more profitably in the longer-term because of the capabilities our system gives you.

Through the machine’s labor reduction, consistent output, and the ability to monetize multiple SKUs, you can expect to recoup your investment faster than with less advanced machines. We also offer flexible financing that helps you pay for your machine as you scale. 

Pros

• High-Volume Efficiency: Produces over 2,000 pre-rolls per hour with just one operator, replacing three or more full-time staff and dramatically reducing labor costs.
• Complete Versatility: Handles all pre-roll types, cones, straight-rolls, infused materials, and blunts, without retooling, and supports scalable add-ons as operations expand.
• Superior Support: Includes 5 days of on-site training, customized SOPs, and 24/7 global support with teams in the U.S. and Israel. 

Cons

• High Upfront Cost: The AuraX’s substantial price may be prohibitive for startups and smaller operations without significant capital or financing options.
• Excessive for Small Producers: Operations producing fewer than 10,000 pre-rolls monthly won’t fully utilize the 2,000+ units-per-hour capacity.
• Industrial Requirements: The system demands significantly more floor space and technical expertise than compact entry-level machines.

Best For

The Hefestus AuraX is best for operators seeking to scale with multiple SKU formats at mid- to high-volume output. If you’re a co-packer, MSO, or an established brand that’s producing 10,000-30,000+ pre-rolls monthly, or a growing operation with plants to achieve this production, the AuraX provides enterprise-grade throughput, versatility and quality consistency to support profitable growth. With the ability to automate nearly every pre-roll type and world-class support to maximize uptime, it’s the long-term solution for operations ready to move beyond entry-level equipment and compete at scale.

Sorting Robotics Jiko vs. Hefestus AuraX 

When comparing pre-roll automation machines, the following four categories are most important for consideration: production volume, capabilities, price, financing, and training. Here’s how the two machines compare:

Production Volume

One of the most significant differences between the AuraX and the Jiko lies in their production volume. The AuraX outpaces the Jiko, producing over 2,000 pre-rolls per hour (with just one operator) while the Jiko typically produces a few hundred pre-rolls per hour. 

The Jiko is designed for small batch automation, and output will vary depending on the grind and operator efficiency. As noted previously, the machine’s auger-fed system can also struggle with airflow and density, resulting in workflow bottlenecks. 

In contrast, AuraX offers the speed, volume, and consistency of its compression and fold design, which prioritize density and airflow for the best burn. More importantly, this quality is scalable across SKUs, including infused products. 

All in all, the Jiko suits smaller operations that are automating pre-roll cone filling for the first time, while the AuraX is ideal for mid- to high-volume operators producing 500,000+ pre-rolls per month. 

From the AuraX’s daily output to its modular design that allows future integration with packaging and weight checking modules for automation expansion (without replacing the core unit!), you can rest assured your investment will help scale to the highest point of production.

Production Capabilities

As for capabilities, the Jiko and AuraX are vastly different. The AuraX offers unmatched versatility by running every type of pre-roll format. From cones and straight rolls to blunt and infused SKUs, with diamonds, wax, live resin, and kief. 

It uses a compression-and-fold process, specifically designed to deliver precise density and airflow for an even burn and uniform quality across all product types. This makes it ideal for brands with diverse SKUs or those looking to expand with consumer trends. 

On the other hand, the Jiko fills only pre-manufactured cones, relying on its auger fill system, which results in variable pack density and inconsistent quality. While this simplicity works for operations seeking straightforward options and affordability, it limits flexibility and expansion. 

For manufacturers seeking to scale their product lines and maintain premium quality standards across multiple formats, AuraX is the clear winner in production capabilities, thanks to its ease in producing multiple SKUs without retooling or equipment changes.

Training & Support

In general, training and support are crucial to the overall success of any automation equipment, ensuring operations minimize downtime and are using their investment to the fullest. Hence, Hefestus prioritizes onboarding for its operations. 

The AuraX sets the industry standard for training, starting with five days of comprehensive on-site installation and setup. This time includes customized SOP creation by Hefestus technicians, tailored to your operation’s SKUs and workflows. 

From there, Hefestus continues to support its equipment with 24/7 support from expert teams located in both the U.S. and Israel. This training approach significantly impacts operational uptime and accelerates operator proficiency from day one. 

Again, due to its simplicity, Jiko offers faster, remote onboarding. Sorting Robotics also offers ongoing U.S.-based support, which is necessary given that its equipment will require more manual calibration and ongoing operator maintenance to continue working efficiently. 

While Jiko’s setup may be faster initially, it lacks the long-term optimization and hands-on guidance provided by Hefestus’ comprehensive service model. For operators prioritizing minimal downtime and expert-level support, AuraX delivers superior training and ongoing assistance.

Price & Financing

Again, another category with a stark difference between the two machines is pricing and financing. Matching its capabilities, the AuraX represents a significant investment at approximately $230,000, while Jiko’s $30,000–$50,000 price range is more accessible.

Keep in mind that the Jiko is simply an entry point into automation and is often used as a stepping stone to reach enterprise-style systems such as the AuraX. While yes, Jiko’s lower cost eases initial entry into automation, it ultimately caps long-term growth potential.

Despite the higher upfront cost, AuraX delivers faster ROI through its higher throughput and multi-SKU versatility, allowing brands to maximize revenue across diverse product lines. 

Both companies do offer financing; however, Hefestus offers tailored financing plans, specifically designed for cannabis manufacturers scaling their production operations.

Overall, for businesses committed to sustainable growth and maximum profitability, AuraX’s premium investment pays dividends that far outweigh Jiko’s budget-friendly appeal.

Conclusion: Which Pre-Roll Machine is Better For Your Operation?

If you’re deciding between the Sorting Robotics Jiko and the Hefestus AuraX, the best pre-roll machine for your operation lies in your current production volume, where you want to scale to, and the price you’re willing to invest now to get there. 

As you’ve learned today, the Jiko is a starting point for automation in pre-roll cone production, while the AuraX represents enterprise-grade production with SKU versatility for ultimate profitability. 

For operations seeking high-volume output, whether today or in the near future, the AuraX is the pinnacle of efficiency, quality, and versatility with unmatched training and support. Learn more with a one-on-one consultation with the Hefestus team today. 

Want to see how other machines stack up? Check out our other comparison articles:

• RollPros Blackbird vs. Hefestus AuraX
• Apehex vs. Hefestus AuraX
• PreRoll-Er 200 vs. Hefestus AuraX
• FLEXPAK MAX vs. Hefestus AuraX
• Canapa JuanaRoll-1 vs. Hefestus AuraX
• Accelerant PRO2 vs. Hefestus AuraX

Sorting Robotics Jiko vs. Hefestus AuraX: Frequently Asked Questions

Finally, here are the answers to operators’ most frequently asked questions to complete our guide to comparing Sorting Robotics’ Jiko and Hefestus’ AuraX. 

Why Choose the Hefestus AuraX Over the Jiko?

You should choose the Hefestus AuraX over Sorting Robotics’ Jiko if you already produce, or plan to produce, multiple SKU formats at high output – such as pre-roll cones, straight-rolls, blunts, and infused pre-rolls with various inputs – and desire consistent compression at high speeds for optimal burn quality. 

Why Choose the Jiko Over the Hefestus AuraX?

You should choose the Jiko over the Hefestus AuraX if you’re a small-batch operation, that could benefit from a lower entry cost and smaller footprint, for low daily volumes of output.