Conveyor belt systems have registered a tremendous demand surge in the recent past, thanks to an increase in the number of companies utilizing these machinery. Recent projections indicate that the global conveyor belt market size is poised to grow from 4.0 billion in 2023 to 6.0 billion by 2033, representing an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1%.
Among the industries that rely heavily on conveyor belt systems include automotive, food & beverages, logistics & warehousing, aviation, and retail.
Unsurprisingly, the upsurge in the demand for conveyor belts is due to the industry’s receptiveness to novel technologies. Below are future tech trends and innovations to watch for in conveyor belt systems.
1. Gravitation Towards Quieter Belt Systems
It’s impossible to find a whisper-silent conveyor belt system. As with most motorized equipment, these machines generate considerable noise levels while operating.
However, recent trends point to a paradigm shift from noise-emitting conveyor belts to quieter systems, as manufacturers shun louder rollers.
Embracing a quieter conveyor system can streamline workflows by enhancing communication at your workplace. Besides, noiseless systems are more energy-efficient than their noisy counterparts.
2. Adoption of Omnidirectional Belt Systems
Traditional conveyor belts follow a unidirectional approach to material handling, using manual trolleys and rollers to move items along linear paths. But that’s set to change with the adoption of omnidirectional belt systems.
Omnidirectional conveyor belts harness the innovative capabilities of omni wheels to direct objects freely within a 360-degree angle. The systems are controlled by a computer that automatically recognizes the intended paths for each material and decides which direction it should go.
3. Easing Material Handling With Robotic Applications
Robots have been part of the conveyor belt systems for years, optimizing material handling and systems maintenance. This trend is expected to continue unabated, thanks to the widespread adoption of automation in the conveyor belt industry.
Robots will enhance accuracy in conveyor belt systems by minimizing human error. While these humanoids may be frowned upon for their potential for job displacements, it’s important to remember they were fundamentally invented to augment rather than replace human ingenuity.
4. Supporting Predictive Maintenance With AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) has penetrated virtually every sector of the global economy due to its ability to automate routine tasks and simplify technical processes. AI’s pervasiveness is already palpable in the conveyor belt industry.
Many conveyor systems leverage artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance, a significant leap towards minimizing operational downtimes caused by machine breakdowns.
Using AI-powered tools, conveyor belt operators will proactively detect signs of equipment breakdown and coordinate with the maintenance technicians in time.
5. Augmenting Image Recognition With Computer Vision
Computer vision is a subset of artificial intelligence whose impact on conveyor systems will be tremendous. This technology relies on high-precision cameras to capture detailed images of materials flowing through a belt system.
Conveyor belt operators can then use the extracted information to optimize material sorting, minimizing costly returns.
6. Preventing Cyber-attacks With AI
AI’s role in the conveyor belt industry won’t be confined to predictive maintenance and image recognition. Companies will also deploy the technology to bolster their cybersecurity posture.
AI-driven software actively monitors conveyor systems to flag anomalous patterns based on historical data and emerging cybersecurity trends. The programs immediately sound alarm signals when threats are detected, allowing your IT personnel to respond before a full-scale breach occurs.
7. Enhancing Supply Chain Performance With RFID Tagging
Radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags have recently entered the conveyor belt industry, although they’re yet to exert their full impact.
Businesses that rely on conveyor belts can encode RFID tags with item-specific details before feeding the materials onto a conveyor belt. As the products move along the chain, RFID readers installed at strategic points capture the tagged information for real-time product identification and tracking.
The role of RFID tags in enhancing the supply chain has been extensively investigated, and the findings are quite promising. In a recent report, researchers found that RFID tagging could reduce lost and misplaced warehouse items by up to 30%.
8. Embracing Food-grade Belts
Recent trends in the conveyor belt industry signal a growing adoption of advanced materials, notably food-grade belts. The incorporation of food-grade belts will be driven by the quest to comply with the FDA’s regulations and maintain a competitive edge.
Common food-grade materials include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), urethane, and silicone.
PVC is beloved for its remarkable strength and anti-corrosive properties, while urethane is low-maintenance and naturally thermoregulating. Silicone stands out for its non-stick surface, which makes it an excellent choice for temperature-sensitive materials like confectioneries.
9. Adoption of Eco-friendly Conveyors
The future of conveyor belt systems will be characterized by more eco-friendly and sustainable equipment.
In a bid to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints, companies will move towards conveyor belts that utilize lighter and quieter motors.
Sustainable conveyor systems will also be marked by a shift from non-biodegradable to compostable belt materials, as evidenced in certain quarters. Moreover, we’re likely to witness more solar-driven conveyor belt systems.
Final Word
Conveyor belt systems are one of the biggest beneficiaries of cutting-edge technology. And if emerging trends are anything to go by, it appears the industry is headed for even more exciting times.
As a stakeholder in this critical sector, it’s imperative to stay abreast of every new development. Keeping your fingers on the pulse can help you align your operations with novel technologies, policies, and best practices ahead of your competitors.
