Enabling automation of various stages of pharmaceutical processes, robotics can contribute to the overall growth of the pharma sector by streamlining and optimising multiple operations. The advancements in robotic technology are enabling us to customise and reconfigure robotic systems to adapt to different processes and product specifications.
Unlike humans, robots can work round the clock and can accomplish tasks four times faster. Having fewer parts than traditional machinery, robotic systems usually need less maintenance. With one robot replacing various machineries, this technology also saves on space. They, therefore, turn out to be more cost-effective, too. Unlike conventional equipment, robots can be retooled for many different applications. Here is how robotics can benefit the pharma industry on the whole:
Efficient Operations
The automation of various tasks through robotics can improve the overall speed and efficiency of pharmaceutical production processes, expedite routine tasks, make data collection faster and accelerate the pace of clinical studies. Robots can perform tasks much more precisely and consistently than humans, especially when it comes to manufacturing where the quality and consistency of drugs relies on exact measurements and precise handling of materials.
Capable of working at a stretch, robots contribute to faster production cycles, thus enabling pharma companies to meet the growing demand and introduce products to market more swiftly. Robots can automate repetitive tasks in many pharmaceutical processes, like sorting, packaging, and labelling, which increases efficiency, reduces labour costs and minimises the scope for error. Adding to their efficiency in supply chain and logistics as well, robots can manage inventory, track expiration dates and optimise storage. From the safety point of view, they can even handle hazardous material, thus safeguarding workers from exposure to toxic substances.
Improved Quality, Reduced Wastage
Robots bring about a high degree of accuracy in dosing, assembling and other important tasks while minimising human errors and the risk of contamination by executing repetitive tasks in cleanroom environments. Optimising production speed and consistently improving upon quality, they meet stringent manufacturing standards. Their efficiency also reduces the wastage of material by minimising the number of rejected goods. Robots equipped with built-in vision systems and sensors can also perform quality control inspections in real-time to pinpoint inconsistencies in products more accurately and efficiently.
Aids Regulatory Compliance
Automation and robotics can go a long way in ensuring compliance to complex regulatory compliance requirements like ISO and GMP by negating human errors. Since robotics can be integrated with data collection and analysis systems to provide insights into manufacturing processes, this data can not only be used to optimise production workflows and improve quality, but also ensure regulatory compliance. Robotics also improves efficiency and compliance by streamlining packaging processes and providing detailed activity logs.
It can transform drug discovery
Robotics and automation have overcome the traditional limitations in the way of drug discovery, like high costs, extended timelines and high failure rates, by enabling real-time data analysis through cloud and employing the power of artificial intelligence to analyse hypotheses more accurately and streamlining the preparation of automated assay plates. By assisting in high-throughput screening, robotics accelerates the identification of potential drug candidates. This way, the accelerated pace of drug development, can result in quicker access to innovative and life-saving drugs.
Robots can help in drug testing and clinical trials as well by offering high degree of consistency and accuracy while performing tedious procedures like stirring liquids and turning test tubes. The time thus saved can be gainfully utilised by researchers in more important pursuits. Automation has added a new dimension to drug discovery and development by enhancing the process of understanding and drawing inferences from vast data sets through artificial intelligence and machine learning applications.
Boost to sustainability
Robotics also contributes immensely to sustainability by addressing key environmental considerations relating to pharmaceutical processes. While automation is playing an instrumental role in reducing energy consumption, minimising wastage and conserving water resources on account of its energy-efficient operations, robotic systems reduce contamination and enable the production of more pharmaceutical products within the same timeframe. Since robots consist of disposable parts, there is a corresponding reduction in cleaning costs, chemical and water consumption, and carbon footprint.
Robotics and Pharma 4.0
Pharma 4.0 entails the integration of digital technologies, including robotics, into the entire pharmaceutical value chain. It relies on advanced technologies like robotics in conjunction with artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and data analytics to ensure real-time monitoring, minimise mistakes and optimise workflows, thus cutting down on costs and resulting in quicker response to market demands.
Additionally, Pharma 4.0 enhances quality control through data-driven decision-making, ensuring compliance and minimising defects. The interconnected nature of these technologies, particularly robotics, can encourage a more adaptable manufacturing environment where there is scope for quick adjustments. From material handling to assembly lines, robots equipped with advanced technologies like sensors and AI drive innovation, thus enabling the industry to meet evolving demands.
The author is President, Global Critical Care, Venus Remedies Ltd and CEO, Venus Medicine Research Centre
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