Overhead Conveyor Systems Market Trends

Introduction

By the time we enter 2024, the Overhead Conveyors market will have undergone a radical transformation, driven by a confluence of factors such as the rapid development of technology, growing regulatory pressures, and changing consumer preferences. This will be a time when the adoption of automation and smart technology will be soaring, as they continue to enhance the efficiency and flexibility of production lines. In the meantime, stricter regulations on health and safety, as well as on the environment, will force manufacturers to adopt more sophisticated systems. Meanwhile, consumers’ growing demand for bespoke and faster delivery will force companies to rethink their logistics strategies. These trends are vital to the market’s stakeholders, as they not only influence their investment decisions but also help shape the industry’s competitive dynamics.

Top Trends

1. Increased Automation and AI Integration
   Using the newest artificial intelligence and automation in overhead conveyors, the operating efficiency of a factory is improved. Dematic is using artificial intelligence to optimize the routing of overhead conveyors and reduce downtime. This has led to an increase in the production rate of 20 percent. Predictive maintenance will be able to reduce the operating cost of the factory considerably. As automation increases, we will see a shift to fully automatic warehouses, which will simplify logistics.
2. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Solutions
   Amongst the materials used, the more sustainable ones are the ones which can be disposed of, and the systems which save energy. For example, SSI Schaefer AG has introduced systems which reduce energy consumption by up to 30 per cent. A new trend is emerging, driven by the demand for more sustainable products and by the need to comply with regulations. Amongst the next developments are systems which make use of renewable energy sources, which will add even more to the already considerable advantages of overhead conveyors.
3. Customization and Modular Designs
   The demand for custom-made and modifiable conveyors, which can be adapted to the requirements of each company, is growing. In companies like the TGW LOGISTICS GROUP, the concept is based on a modular system which can be easily adapted or expanded. This flexibility can result in reduced installation times and lower costs. Modifiability is becoming increasingly important for the competitive advantage as the industries develop.
4. Enhanced Safety Features
   The safety of the mines is still the prime consideration, and the conveyors are built with a great many new and improved safety devices. Vanderlande Industries has fitted the new conveyors with smart sensors that detect any obstructing objects. This has reduced the number of accidents by 15 per cent. And as the safety regulations become stricter, companies will be obliged to invest in these kinds of devices to comply with the regulations and to protect their workforces. In future, it is hoped that innovations in the field of safety will result in further reductions in the risk of accidents.
5. Integration with IoT and Smart Technologies
   The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing overhead conveyors with real-time monitoring and data analysis. Daifuku has developed a system that enables the tracking of performance data. This has led to a reduction in maintenance costs of up to 25 percent. The trend is toward the use of data to improve and optimize operations. The future may see an even greater degree of system interconnection and efficiency.
6. Focus on Ergonomics and Worker Comfort
   The design of the conveyor system has been improved to increase the comfort and productivity of the workers. The conveyor systems of the company Dürkopp Fördertechnik GmbH are designed so as to avoid the physical strain of the workers. This has resulted in an increase in productivity of up to 10 per cent. With the growing awareness of health at work, the standard of design may change in the industry.
7. Digital Twin Technology Adoption
   Digital twin technology is gaining ground and enabling companies to create virtual simulations of their conveyor systems for the purpose of simulation and optimization. This is a method that has been successfully adopted by companies like Ferag AG, which has resulted in improved system performance and reduced downtime. With the development of this technology, it will become possible to model and predict even more complex systems, which could radically change the way companies approach their design and maintenance.
8. Increased Demand in E-commerce and Retail
   The growth of e-commerce has increased the demand for highly efficient conveyor systems in the logistics and retail sectors. Pacline Overhead Conveyors has seen a 30 per cent increase in orders from e-commerce companies. The trend is expected to continue as e-commerce continues to grow and companies continue to invest in flexible and scalable systems. In the future, developments may include more advanced sorting and distribution systems to meet customers’ expectations.
9. Collaboration with Robotics
   More and more the collaboration between the overhead conveyors and the robots is gaining ground, and the work is becoming more and more efficient. For example, Rapid Industries Inc. has combined the conveyors with the robots and has thus increased the accuracy of the sorting by twenty percent. This trend is likely to continue as companies seek to automate more and more processes, which will result in a more and more perfect integration of robots in logistics. In the future, we may see systems that are almost completely automatic and require little human intervention.
10. Global Supply Chain Resilience
    In order to ensure the resilience of the supply chain, companies are investing in overhead conveyor systems that can withstand any disruptions. In response to this need, Bastian has developed flexible systems that can easily be adapted to changing requirements. For as long as global uncertainties persist, companies will focus on systems that are agile and responsive. In the future, the trend will be towards even more resilient systems that can withstand all kinds of disruptions.

Conclusion: Navigating the Overhead Conveyor Landscape

The market for overhead conveyors is characterised by a high degree of fragmentation and intense competition, with established and new companies competing for a share of the market. In some regions, the demand for customised products is on the rise, and the market is being reacted to by the introduction of new features. Competition is also being fought for by the established companies, which are deploying their established reputation and extensive distribution network, while new companies are focusing on innovation, in particular in the fields of artificial intelligence, automation and sustainability. Adaptability, efficiency and a sustainable approach will be the key to success in the future. To be able to compete and to meet the changing needs of the market, companies will have to focus their efforts on these three aspects.