Abstract: To improve the efficiency and automation level of demi-slim and slim cigarette sorting, an automatic case unpacking machine was designed based on concept of “unified case unpacking and separate carton-case separation”. In the case unpacking section, an integrated edgefold opening device including vertical and horizontal centering mechanisms was developed, enabling automatic centering for cutting and edgefold opening of the cigarette cases of different sizes. In the separation section, an edgefold unfolding device and a cigarette pushing device were designed according to the characteristics of demi-slim and slim cigarette cases. The edge unfolding device for demi-slim cigarette cases adopted a guide rod structure, while that for slim cigarette cases adopted a combined structure of a push plate cylinder and a lifting cylinder. The cigarette pushing devices were the same for the demi-slim and slim cigarette cases. The edgefold was pressed with a slightly inclined angle of 5°for fixing both types of cases. The designed machine was tested in the special-shaped cigarette sorting line in Cigarette Logistics Distribution Center, Xuchang Branch of Henan Provincial Tobacco Company. The results showed that it reduced the average working hours for unpacking and replenishing from 3.2 h per shift to 0 and decreased the average operating time of the special-shaped cigarette sorting line from 6.2 h per shift to 4.8 h per shift.