Pharmaceutical packaging automation with cobots

Our client, a pharmaceutical company, specializes in producing medications in the form of tablets and capsules. To meet growing demand while adhering to strict quality and safety standards, they seek to modernize their packaging processes.

Key objectives include reducing human error, increasing production speed, and improving batch traceability, which is essential for ensuring patient safety and regulatory compliance. The company also aims to enhance operator working conditions by reducing repetitive physical tasks while maintaining a sterile production environment.

Powders and products processed

• Pharmaceutical excipients: lactose, microcrystalline cellulose
• Finished products: capsules, tablets, injectable solution vials, prefilled syringes

To address these specific needs, Palamatic Process proposed a comprehensive solution incorporating specialized cobots (collaborative robots) to automate key packaging stages, while meeting Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) requirements.

These systems automate repetitive and precise tasks while collaborating with human operators. Unlike traditional robots, cobots require no safety barriers, optimising space utilisation and enabling direct interaction with operators thanks to advanced sensors.

Solution features

Operational flexibility

Cobots can handle various packaging types, including glass vials, syringes, or thermoformed trays, using adaptable grippers. Cobots can be quickly reprogrammed to accommodate different product formats (vials, blisters, pouches) and packaging types, without prolonged interruptions.

Optimal precision

The solution ensures accurate dosing of products into packages and precise placement of labels and inserts, meeting the stringent demands of the pharmaceutical industry.

Increased throughput

With a handling capacity of up to 20 pieces per minute, the solution meets the needs of continuous production.

Enhanced traceability and safety

The integration of serialisation systems enables tracking of each product throughout the supply chain with unique code printing and verification. Advanced sensors ensure precise and sterile handling of products, minimizing contamination risks.

Regulatory compliance

The entire process is designed to comply with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), ISO 13485 standards and Health Canada regulatory requirements, ensuring the safety and quality of finished products.

To meet these specific needs, Palamatic Process offered a complete solution integrating robots cobot. These systems are perfect for repetitive and precise tasks. Unlike traditional industrial robots, cobot robots are equipped with sensors that allow them to stop automatically in the event of contact with a human, ensuring safe and productive interaction.

Packaging cobots

• Role: Automating sealing, labeling, and visual inspection operations.
• Advantages: Reduced errors and increased throughput.

Multi-Format gripper

• Role: Adaptability to various packaging types (glass, plastic).
• Advantages: Quick transitions between formats, reducing downtime.

Integrated traceability system

• Role: Identification and recording of product data via QR codes and RFID.
• Advantages: Full compliance with pharmaceutical industry regulations.

Inline sterilization equipment

• Role: Disinfecting packaging before filling.
• Advantages: Meeting strict hygiene standards.

We offer a complete range of robots and cobots for handling your products and powders

Why choose cobots for your pharmaceutical packaging needs?

By integrating Pick & Place PALSTACK cobots and other automated equipment from Palamatic Process into its packaging workflow, the company achieved its productivity, traceability, and quality goals. This modernization also improved operator working conditions while ensuring regulatory compliance and patient safety.

This case study demonstrates how collaborative automation can turn pharmaceutical industry challenges into opportunities through a combination of advanced technology, flexibility, and technical expertise.