By the 1700s, material handling had entered a new era with the emergence of the conveyor belt. Early versions were powered by farm animals and used belting made from animal hides—an inelegant but effective solution.
The late 19th century marked a turning point. In 1892, Thomas Robins developed the first heavy-duty conveyor for transporting ore and other bulk materials. His design, featuring steel idler rollers and rubber belts, laid the groundwork for the modern conveyor systems we know today.
In the early 1900s, Henry Ford transformed manufacturing with the moving assembly line, ushering in a new standard for productivity. By World War II, conveyor systems were firmly established in factories worldwide.
The 1970s and 1980s delivered another leap forward. The introduction of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) allowed systems to become more intelligent, scalable, and reliable. For the first time, material handling could be managed with precision and control on a massive scale.
Today’s material handling systems are far removed from their humble beginnings. High-speed sortation solutions now process more than 18,000 items per hour, while automated technologies seamlessly manage the growing complexity of global supply chains.
Modern facilities operate as interconnected ecosystems. Conveyor-based sorters, high-density shuttle systems, Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs), and AI-driven software work together to meet increasing demands for speed, accuracy, and adaptability in e-commerce, retail, and logistics.
The result is a level of performance that early innovators could scarcely have imagined.
The evolution of material handling is far from complete. What began as moving stone blocks has grown into a global industry enabling the flow of goods at unprecedented scale. Each advancement—from animal-powered belts to intelligent robotic fleets—represents a step forward in human ingenuity.
The next wave of transformation will be powered by AI, machine learning, robotic manipulation, and cloud integration. These technologies will not only move goods but also make decisions, learn from data, and autonomously optimize operations.
At Vanderlande, part of the Toyota Automated Logistics Group, we are proud to help shape this future. Our solutions are designed not only to move boxes but also to think, adapt, and evolve with customer needs.
Two of our flagship innovations—STOREPICK and FASTPICK—are redefining how goods are picked, packed, and shipped:
Both solutions integrate seamlessly with robotics, AI, and warehouse control software to provide real-time data visibility and intelligent decision-making.
The journey of material handling reflects humanity’s relentless pursuit of progress. From ramps and levers to advanced robotics and AI, each chapter tells a story of innovation and improvement.
At Vanderlande, we are committed to writing the next chapter—where automation doesn’t just move goods but drives smarter, more resilient supply chains worldwide.
And the most exciting part? We’re only getting started.
Every company and every market is different. This is reflected in the layout of your warehouse – and the advice offered by our experts.