Conveyor belts have evolved tremendously over the years, from basic hand-operated conveyors to highly sophisticated systems. More recently, the conveyor belt industry has witnessed drastic transformations driven by cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).
Robotics have notably been part of conveyor systems for decades. However, companies are now gravitating towards AI-powered robots to streamline critical conveyor processes.
We’ve put together the various ways artificial intelligence is driving efficiency in the conveyor belt industry. Hopefully, this post will offer extra incentives to integrate AI into your conveyor system and unlock the associated benefits.
1. AI Optimizes Production Processes
This is arguably the most compelling reason to integrate artificial intelligence into your conveyor systems.
AI is essentially an automation technology. With AI-powered algorithms, you can detect anomalous patterns in the hardware and software components of your conveyor systems.
Identifying problems in your conveyor belts early enough helps fix them in time, streamlining processes in the production line.
You could also deploy artificial intelligence in your conveyor system to automate routine tasks, such as equipment power-up and shutdown. This frees up your employees so you can deploy them in other critical facets of your business.
2. AI Supports Predictive Maintenance
Damage to critical conveyor belt infrastructures can lead to costly downtimes. If your business handles huge order volumes daily, unforeseen equipment breakdowns may also result in publicity nightmares as you frantically try to dissuade your clients from turning to your competitors.
It doesn’t help that conveyor belt systems tend to break down when least expected. And in most cases, a subtle structural failure like a mistracked belt is all it takes to throw the entire system off. But that’s where artificial intelligence comes in.
AI has proven reliable in supporting predictive maintenance. By integrating AI-driven software into your conveyor systems, you can proactively access patterns synonymous with appliance breakdowns and enlist maintenance assistance in the nick of time.
AI programs enhance predictive maintenance in conveyor systems using data from a machine’s maintenance history and current operational conditions. Others rely on subtle changes in environmental factors, such as temperature fluctuations and gas emissions.
The software activates maintenance cues even without overt problems with the monitored appliance.
3. AI Improves Profitability
Conveyor belts may not be directly involved in product ideation and design. However, they play an overall role in enhancing the efficiency of production plants.
Malfunctions along a conveyor belt can slow the delivery of materials from the factory floor to the warehouses or loading bays. Over time, such delays could translate into significant economic losses.
By reducing appliance incidents, artificial intelligence improves profitability by ensuring your conveyor systems operate at full capacity.
Besides, infrequent appliance breakdowns can boost your employees’ morale and amplify their productivity.
4. AI Boosts Product Identification and Sorting
Most people regard artificial intelligence as one monolithic technology. However, AI exists in multiple facets, many of which can be integral to your conveyor systems.
One such subset is computer vision, which utilizes high-resolution cameras to capture clear images with a view to extracting detailed elements from them. It’s the very innovation that drives autonomous cars.
Integrating computer vision apps into your conveyor belt systems ensures optimal visibility as materials flow through along the belt.
Depending on the data that such software is pre-trained on, they can swiftly pick out abnormal items and automatically shut down the conveyor system.
Not only does this help with inventory management, but It also minimizes costly returns caused when certain products end up in the wrong batches.
5. AI Reduces the Need for Manual Labor
The use of robotics in conveyor belt systems isn’t exactly new. What’s new is the shift from traditional robots to AI-driven ones.
AI-powered robots are faster and more accurate than their non-AI counterparts, with near-human (sometimes superhuman) capabilities.
These mechanoids accelerate the speed and accuracy of packaging processes and reduce the need for human conveyor attendants. They also improve safety in the workplace by minimizing human errors.
Although the potential for job displacements is one of the key ethical issues surrounding AI adoption, it’s a stark reality of disruptive technologies.
6. AI Strengthens Inventory and Data Management
Conveyor belts are primarily designed to improve accuracy in item handling, thereby enhancing inventory management.
It’s exciting to know that you can manage your inventory even better by incorporating artificial intelligence into your conveyor systems. That’s all thanks to AI subsets like computer vision.
AI-driven software optimizes real-time material tracking, preventing stock-outs and overstocking. The programs provide a hands-off approach to demand management.
Besides inventory, you could also deploy artificial intelligence to manage conveyor system data. With the ability to gather and analyze vast datasets in split seconds, AI tools can provide useful insights into your conveyor operations.
Artificial intelligence solutions contribute to safer workplaces by detecting anomalous signs of data breaches and alerting your IT teams ahead of time. The apps rely on historical data and emerging cybersecurity threats to minimize future attacks.
Summary
Artificial intelligence has undoubtedly transformed the conveyor belt industry, streamlining workflows and optimizing productivity.
Thanks to AI, companies can effectively plan routine equipment maintenance and reduce costly breakdowns. This innovative technology is also central to bolstering inventory management and data privacy across conveyor belt systems.
But as pundits would have it, we’ve only scraped the surface of AI’s full potential.
So, besides integrating artificial intelligence into your conveyor systems, endeavor to stay abreast of emerging AI-related innovations. This will enhance workplace efficiency and maintain a competitive edge.
