Smart bin picking

AI-supported bin picking for flexible and reliable processes

Bin picking is a key topic for automation in intralogistics. Solutions from Festo enable you to grip randomly placed objects of all shapes and sizes in a fully automated process. Set a new benchmark for the efficiency of your intralogistics with innovative artificial intelligence. Our modular bin-picking solutions enable you to master even complex pick-and-place applications flexibly, safely and reliably.

Efficient bin picking with Festo

Benefit from our many years of expertise in automation, our functionally reliable components and our modular applications.

The benefits to you:

  • Increase efficiency and reduce errors: Minimise mistakes and speed up the flow of materials with precise gripping and intelligently automated processes
  • Artificial intelligence: Benefit from self-learning systems that enable you to grip unknown and randomly placed objects
  • Energy and cost efficiency: Reduce your energy consumption and operating costs with optimised intralogistics processes
  • Scalability: Expand your applications in a modular and flexible way as your intralogistics requirements increase
  • Plug-and-play: Benefit from our open system architecture and integrate our components and applications easily and seamlessly into your control concept
  • Ergonomics and easing the burden on employees: Reduce physical strain and promote ergonomic work processes
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Interview: Intelligent bin picking for intralogistics

Automated bin picking


Arquemino Lopes Junior, Intralogistics Industry Segment Manager at Festo, speaks about the importance of bin picking and how this technology improves efficiency and flexibility in intralogistics.

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Festo AX: maximum efficiency thanks to AI

Optimise your intralogistics with data-based decisions. The Festo Automation Experience (Festo AX) software uses artificial intelligence to extract all the added value from your system data. This allows you to increase productivity and avoid quality losses.

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FAQs

What is bin picking?

Bin picking is the automated removal of objects from containers using robots and gripper systems. This technology is used in intralogistics in particular and enables randomly placed objects of different shapes and sizes to be precisely gripped and further processed. Cameras, sensors and often also artificial intelligence work together to recognise the position and orientation of objects. Bin picking optimises the flow of materials and reduces manual work, thus increasing efficiency and reducing costs.

What does the term “bin picking” mean?

“Bin picking” is the automated removal of randomly placed objects from a container using robots and grippers. It uses technologies that include cameras and sensors to recognise the position and orientation of objects, enabling precise and flexible handling in intralogistics without having to sort the objects beforehand.

How does bin picking work in intralogistics?

Cameras and sensors are often used together with artificial intelligence in bin picking, so that the position and orientation of randomly placed objects in containers can be detected. The robot calculates the optimum gripping point and removes the objects reliably and precisely. This technology automates the process and increases the flow of materials by working reliably, even when objects have different shapes.

What are the advantages of bin picking for intralogistics?

Bin picking automates the removal of objects directly from containers and reduces manual processes. This boosts efficiency, reduces errors and increases flexibility in the flow of materials. AI-supported systems allow even complex tasks to be carried out quickly and precisely, which significantly improves productivity in warehouse logistics.

What role does artificial intelligence play in bin picking?

Artificial intelligence enables bin-picking systems to reliably grip unknown objects without the need for extensive programming. AI algorithms recognise the shape and position of the objects and automatically adapt the gripping process, allowing the systems to adjust dynamically to changing tasks and increasing flexibility in operation.

What types of grippers are used for bin picking?

Different types of grippers are used for bin picking, such as vacuum, parallel and adaptive grippers. The choice of gripper depends on the shape and material of the objects. Modern systems can automatically switch between gripper types, providing a flexible solution that adapts to different requirements and ensures safe, damage-free handling.

In which sectors is bin picking especially beneficial?

Bin picking is particularly advantageous in warehouse logistics, the automotive industry, electronics manufacturing and e-commerce. These industries benefit from the ability to pick up a wide variety of objects automatically and flexibly, as this reduces labour costs, increases efficiency and at the same time ensures a high degree of flexibility in the process.

What is the adaptive shape gripper DHEF and what benefits does it offer?

The adaptive shape gripper DHEF is based on natural principles and is able to securely grip workpieces of different shapes and sizes, and release them again, even handing them to people. It is ideal for gripping parts with undefined positions and shapes, as it grips objects with variable geometries with a positive fit. A particular advantage is the suction cup effect, which provides additional stability. Thanks to its gentle gripping action, the DHEF is particularly useful for fragile products. The RA1 version also enables it to be quickly integrated into lightweight robot environments and facilitates automation.

What are the special features of the adaptive gripper finger DHAS?

The main features of the adaptive gripper finger DHAS are its particularly gentle gripping, low-vibration transport and shock-free setting down of products. Thanks to the Fin Ray Effect®, which is inspired by the structure of a fish tail fin, the gripper finger adapts automatically to different object shapes. This makes it ideal for sensitive materials and surfaces. The DHAS can reliably and flexibly grip objects with diameters from 6 to 120 mm, making it a versatile solution for numerous applications.

Everything at a glance

Flexible intralogistics solutions