Belt conveyors are often seen as simple mechanical systems, but their contribution to industrial economics is far from basic. These efficient machines are fundamental to operations in mining, manufacturing, warehousing, and many other sectors. By enabling fast, continuous movement of materials, belt conveyors significantly reduce operational costs, improve productivity, and support the...

The concept of the conveyor belt dates back over a century, and its fundamental design—a continuous loop of material moving over rollers or pulleys—has remained surprisingly consistent. However, the technology behind belt conveyors has evolved significantly, especially in the past few decades, thanks to advances in materials science, automation, and industrial design. Originally...