ZASCHE Handling, a pioneer in ergonomic load-handling systems, has launched its newest innovation: the BIG BIN Picking System, designed to support flexible semi-automation in industrial environments. This new solution integrates camera-based visual guidance with manual operation, offering a practical alternative to full automation.
With a strong focus on adaptability and operator control, the system lets users handle complex or irregular tasks while automating repetitive motions through pre-programmed pathways. The outcome: higher throughput, reduced physical strain, and enhanced efficiency across varied applications.
The BIG BIN system will be showcased at Automatica 2025, taking place from June 24–27 in Munich. Attendees can visit booth A6.530 to explore the technology in person. The BIG BIN Picking System offers a balanced integration of human skill and machine precision. Operators remain in control of judgment-based or variable tasks, while the system automates repetitive and consistent movements. This cooperation enhances both accuracy and productivity without removing the human element from complex handling situations.
Designed for quick deployment, the system features a modular layout and a user-friendly “teach-in” setup process. This allows operators to configure and adapt the system to new tasks without the need for specialized programming knowledge. The intuitive interface ensures fast learning curves and minimal disruption during transitions.
Space efficiency and operational safety are central to the design. With its three-axis configuration, the system operates safely in open workspaces without the need for protective fencing. This lean footprint reduces spatial constraints and supports more flexible workflow arrangements on the factory floor.
Built for demanding industrial tasks, the system’s crane-inspired structure supports higher payloads and extended reach, outperforming many floor-based robotic alternatives. Additionally, its BIG BIN picking feature allows for accurate and reliable handling of randomly placed items in large containers—making it especially valuable for operations with diverse components and low-volume production runs.
This hybrid system is ideal for operations with changing production needs, tight space constraints, or smaller batch sizes. By reducing manual repetition and enabling a single operator to supervise multiple tasks, the solution increases output without requiring a full-scale automation overhaul.
“We’re giving control to the operator—not taking it away,” said Erwin Wagner, Managing Director of ZASCHE Handling. “This system supports a gradual move toward automation with equipment that’s intuitive, reliable, and built for longevity.”
Founded in 1932, ZASCHE Handling has become a trusted global partner in load handling solutions, offering tailor-made, ergonomic systems for a wide range of industries. With deep roots in crane and steel construction, the company continues to evolve with a strong commitment to innovation. ZASCHE is part of the Accuron Industrial Technologies Group and operates out of its headquarters in Nördlingen, Germany, with a key service office in Shanghai, China.
