RECENT TRENDS IN THE USAGE OF AUTOMATION
IN PHARMA INDUSTRY
Abstract: The science and technology of designing, creating, and using automation is known as robotics.
Researchers in robotics also investigate software, mechanics, and electronics. In the Pharmaceutical field
more than 150000 have been installed globally including a large proportion. In the world of
pharmaceuticals, there is a vital role for robotics to play in the complicated processes of research and
development, production, packaging. Robots are justified by a variety of factors, including increase worker
safety and higher quality. Another advantage of robots is that it can expedite the drug discovery process.
Many robot manufacturers offer items made especially for this sector of the market. The future of industrial
robotics for pharmaceutical applications looks promising. In order to address the growing need for
innovative pharmaceuticals and advanced medical devices due to an aging population that is aging quickly,
robotics systems are being embraced more and more for increased productivity and efficiency. However,
there are a number of barriers that industrial robotics firms must overcome if they hope to become wellknown in the pharmaceutical industry. Their controller software's mismatch with the installed equipment
currently in place is a major one among these.
KEYWORDS: Automation, Robotics, Productivity, Pharmaceutical Industry, Automated dispensing
mechanisms, Automated storage
Introduction:
What is Automation?
Recent Trends:
1. Drug Discovery & Development:
a. High-Throughput Screening Platforms: These platforms allow researchers to rapidly test
thousands of chemical compounds against specific biological targets. By automating the
process, scientists can identify potential drug candidates more efficiently.
b. Robotic Sample Preparation & Analysis: Robots handle sample preparation, such as
diluting compounds or transferring liquids, and perform analytical tasks like mass
spectrometry or chromatography. Automation ensures accuracy and consistency.
2. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing:
a. Automated Filling & Packaging Lines: In pharmaceutical factories, automated systems fill
medication into vials, syringes, or blister packs. These lines ensure precise dosing and
minimize contamination risks.
b. Robotic Arms for Aseptic Processing: Robotic arms operate in sterile environments,
handling delicate tasks like aseptic filling, capping, and labelling. They reduce human error
and maintain product quality.
3. Clinical Trials:
a. Electronic Data Capture (EDC) Systems: EDC systems replace paper-based data
collection. Researchers input patient data directly into electronic forms during clinical
trials. This streamlines data management and enhances accuracy.
b. Wearable Sensors for Real-Time Monitoring: Wearable devices track patients’ vital signs,
activity levels, and other health parameters. Real-time data helps monitor treatment
efficacy and safety.
Center of Attraction:
Include a visually appealing element like a flow chart or infographic depicting the automation workflow
across different stages in the pharma industry.
Advantages of Automation in the Pharmaceutical Industry:
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Higher production rates and increased productivity
Efficient use of materials
Better product accuracy and quality
Improved safety
Shorter workweeks for labour
Reduced factory lead times
Enhanced Efficiency
Scalability and Flexibility
1. Increased Productivity:
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Automation eliminates the need for manual labour, allowing tasks to be performed faster
and more efficiently.
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Shorter production cycles and higher output can result from streamlined processes.
2. Improved Accuracy and Quality:
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Automated systems perform tasks with precision and consistency.
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Reduced human errors and deviations lead to better product quality and increased customer
satisfaction.
3. Enhanced Efficiency:
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Workflow optimization and elimination of bottlenecks.
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Reduced labour costs and operational expenses.
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Improved efficiency through minimized human intervention.
4. Increased Safety:
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Particularly beneficial in hazardous work environments.
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Replacing humans with machines reduces accidents, injuries, and occupational hazards.
5. Scalability and Flexibility:
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Easily adjust production levels and allocate resources.
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Quick response to market fluctuations and changing demands.
Disadvantages of Automation in the Pharmaceutical Industry:
DISADVANTAGES:
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Huge capital investment is required.
It can create Worker displacement.
Continuous power supply is required.
Large inventories are required.
Any breakdown anywhere, would lead to complete shutdown.
Requires highly skilled manpower.
Pharmaceutical applications (add some points in recent trends)
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Processing system (dry granulation, powder blending, high sheer/wet granulation, Fluid bed
granulation, hot melt extrusion, drying, milling, micronisation)
Liquid dosing (used in tablet manufacturing)
Tablet compression and coating
Encapsulation (solid and liquid dosages)
RFID labelling (product movement monitoring, quality management)
Tracking and traceability counterfeit prevention
Drug delivery systems
Filling, inspection and packing
Conveyor and sortation systems (high speed bottle filling, inspection, sorting and grouping,
rejection and transferring)
High investment in general purpose equipment that can be reprogrammed.
Ability to cope with product variety by reprogramming the equipment.
Suited to batch production of different product and part styles.
Lost production time to reprogram and change the physical setup
Lower production rates than fixed automation.
Capability to change the sequence of operations through reprogramming to accommodate different
product configurations.
Future Aspects:
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Continued development of AI and machine learning for advanced automation
Integration of automation with the Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time data analysis and process
optimization
Increasing adoption of collaborative robots (cobots) for human-machine interaction
Adoption of Cloud-Based Automation solutions
Conclusion: Emphasize the transformative potential of automation in the pharmaceutical industry while
acknowledging the challenges to be addressed for successful implementation.
Automation means use of control system such as a computerized machines and equipments for
performing physical and mechanical operations in a production process. Pharmaceutical automation
involves the mechanical process of handling materials, distributing medications, manufacturing, packing
formulations in industries. It also speeds up the drug discovery and development procedure and helps to
save time in clinical trials. Organization learnt the importance of protecting the validity of data generated
and in a regulated environment that deviations from process should be investigated and removed.
Automation types/ process