Automation Solutions for the Med/ Pharma Industry
- CobotKind
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
The integration of robotics in the fields of medicine and pharmaceuticals has ushered in a new era of precision, efficiency and innovation. From pharmaceutical production to hospital automation, there are a range of applications that are benefitting from robots and automation systems.
Universal Robots Cobots Offer Helping Hand
In a sector where cleanliness and hygiene are of paramount importance, Universal Robots collaborative robots (cobots) are an intelligent, flexible automation solution for medical and pharmaceutical applications.
Cobots can help with a number of tasks from packaging pharmaceutical goods to assisting in laboratories with mixing, counting, dispensing and inspecting. They are also ideal for the handling and assembly of small delicate parts used in prosthetics, implants and other medical devices.
In one case, two UR5e cobots were used by the Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark to automate the manual sorting of blood samples for four different pathways for further analysis. The robots handled approximately 3,000 samples per day, 7-8 tubes per minute.
Labman has developed a range of custom and off-the-shelf pharmaceutical solutions that incorporate Universal Robots, including MultiDose™ automated XPR solid dosing system, The Collaborative Formulator (an open, collaborative platform designed to intuitively formulate coloured products) and a Mobile Robot System for the characterisation of lipid nanoparticles using the ER-FLEX Mobile Cobot.
Mobile Robots for Seamless Lab Automation
Due to its flexible design, the ER-FLEX is ideal for a range of laboratory applications. One common application is sample transportation, as the mobile robot can autonomously navigate long distances, even across floor levels, operating doors and elevators as required. The ER-FLEX can also be used for packaging, as the robot has an accuracy of 1 mm on every pick and can easily handle small objects, with the ability to pack in predefined patterns or routines.
The dull, repetitive task of loading and unloading machinery can be automated with the ER-FLEX. It can open and close manual doors or communicate with electrical doors to load and unload samples to and from lab equipment. Utilising a vision system, the robot can also be used to detect, inspect and visually document the sample testing process.
Enhanced Cobot Mobility With Collaborative 7th Axis
The Thomson Movotrak CTU (Collaborative Transfer Unit) is a 7th axis robot transfer unit that can be used in various medical and scientific applications, including those requiring precise positioning and mobility. The CTU can significantly increase the robot's working range, making it more versatile for diverse tasks while also offering collision detection.
The Movotrak CTU can be used in automated sample preparation, handling and analysis, as well as inspection and packaging. One robot can tend multiple workstations (with a horizontal operating range up to 10 m), maximising efficiency and flexibility.
Tray Palletisers for Pharmaceutical Packaging and Products
IEF-Werner’s varioSTACK CF (Clean Factory) tray palletisers are used in a range of pharmaceutical applications, including the handling of high quality, medical grade glass cartridges by Gerresheimer Medical Systems.
In a cleanroom environment, the varioSTACK CF is central to the post-production inspection and packaging system. The tray palletiser aids the sorting of the cartridges into different containers, to be collected at the end of the line by a staff member. The system was chosen due to its ability to handle the glass parts gently. The investment now means operators are free to perform other more valuable and rewarding tasks.
Conclusion
As the medical/ pharmaceutical industry faces labour and skills shortages, high costs and high quality standards, repetitive workflows can be automated by a range of robotic solutions. This frees up lab technicians for higher value tasks, whilst ensuring consistency and repeatability.
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