In the ever-evolving landscape of material handling, technological advancements have reshaped the industry, with robotics playing a pivotal role. However, while robotics has greatly impacted material handling in general, there are still applications for which traditional conveyor systems are better suited. Let’s explore the benefits and limitations of robotics when it comes to material handling.

The Versatility of Robotics in Material Handling

Robotics have revolutionized material handling functions, offering unparalleled versatility. From precise picking and packing to seamless sorting and stacking, these automated marvels adeptly handle diverse tasks to provide a seamless workflow. Increased speed, precision, and consistency are just a few benefits that robotics can provide for businesses. By automating routine tasks, companies experience improved productivity and reduced operational costs.

Limitations in Industrial Conditions

While robotics excel in controlled environments, they face challenges in punishing conditions. Harsh industrial settings can strain their functionality, as many material-handling robots are not engineered to withstand extreme conditions involving elevated temperatures and extreme corrosion or abrasion. Therefore, businesses must assess the environmental demands and consider alternative solutions that will deliver optimum performance.

Heavy-Duty Conveyors vs. Robotics

In the realm of industrial material handling, the debate between heavy-duty conveyors and robotics is brief. Despite the technological advancements in robotics, heavy-duty conveyors remain the preferred choice in demanding conditions. And if your needs include moving large quantities of industrial materials in challenging conditions, there’s no replacement for the performance offered by heavy-duty conveyors from Materials Handling Equipment (MHE)—a leader in conveyor manufacturing since 1927. This is because of:

• The durability and reliability of our products – Our heavy-duty conveyors stand the test of time, providing unparalleled durability. In punishing conditions, where robotics may falter, our conveyors consistently deliver reliable performance.
• Customization options – Materials Handling Equipment takes pride in offering a range of custom conveyors, including screw conveyors, drag conveyors, apron conveyors, belt conveyors, pan conveyors, and bucket elevators. Our conveyors are tailored to meet specific industry needs and deliver optimal functionality.
• Our conveyor manufacturing expertise – We bring decades of expertise to the table, and our commitment to providing exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design sets us apart from the competition.
• The variety of industries we serve – Our custom conveyors are utilized by companies representing a wide array of industries, including agriculture, cement, chemicals, construction, steel, paper and pulp, mining and minerals, and power and utilities.

The MHE Difference

Look to MHE if your facility needs a custom conveyor that has been engineered to fit your precise needs and will perform reliably for decades. We utilize custom-engineered drive components made from heavy-duty materials, and the performance offered by our conveyors in demanding conditions is unmatched. In fact, our industrial-duty conveyors compare favorably to the heavy-duty conveyors offered by the competition, and many of our products are still in use more than 50 years after delivery.

Learn More

Would you like additional information about the heavy-duty industrial conveyors we offer? If so, contact Materials Handling Equipment today.