The workhorse of virtually every manufacturing facility is the conveyor. As industries continue to develop and innovate to become smarter, so do roller conveyors. Gone are those extra big and bulky conveyors run by oversized rolls and motors, and rubberized belts. Modern conveyors are much more efficient, sleek, and versatile that can be built to handle various tasks and fit tighter spaces. With the continuing improvements made with conveyor technologies and systems, here are the top three trends to watch out for.
#1. Smarter Conveyors
The latest innovations in robotics and automation also pave the way for smarter and more intelligent conveyors. This leads to improved functionality of the controllers and motors and roller conveyors are outfitted with better technologies for enhanced performance. While there are still those basic conveyors that simply move items from one point to another, many are now made to talk to the robots and other machines on the production line. Thanks to all the developments made in both hardware and software, as well as the advancements made in computerised systems.
#2. Built with Specific Yet Versatile Purpose in Mind
While some conveyors are made with a specific purpose in mind, they can be built in a way that they can work with great flexibility. In the next years, it will be very common to see roller conveyors outfitted with vacuums for complicated transporting applications, meters for measuring functions, and even light panels for vision purposes. Moreover, conveyors with adjustable-width will be even more demanded to carry and move products with different widths and lengths. They are much more economical and efficient to use than using multiple conveyors within a production line.
#3. Compact Conveyor Design
This trend has been the major focus over the recent years of development in conveyor design. It will even be given more effort in the coming years. Factories of today are equipped with roller conveyors utilising drive drum motors which are prevalent in belt conveyor types. This internal drive drum motor technology is expected to expand and will be compatible with other styles of conveyors. It helps reduce the overall footprint of a conveyor and can even improve the mechanical and electrical efficiencies of the entire conveyor system.