Scalable autoinjector production with mobile AMR robots

We networked modular robot cells with mobile AMR robots for one of Switzerland's largest pharmaceutical manufacturers. This pioneering production concept is flexibly scalable and is coordinated by a central control system (SCADA).

The challenge 

The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing radical change - large production volumes and blockbuster products will soon be a thing of the past. One of the largest Swiss manufacturers in the pharmaceutical industry was therefore looking for new production concepts to replace traditional manufacturing methods for autoinjectors. Complex, resource- and maintenance-intensive carousel systems were to be replaced by compact, networked modules. In addition, the entire value chain - from the warehouse to packaging - was to be networked with conveyor technology or mobile robots, so-called AMR robots.  

The solution 

In order to map batch size 1 production, all processes had to be revised. A central Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA), which is connected to the customer network, coordinates the entire production processes. All autoinjector components used for a batch are prepared centrally in a preparation robot cell in a carrier. The carriers are then transported to the respective assembly modules, where the components are assembled, tested and finished. Integrated vision systems ensure quality control.   

After assembly and the associated quality controls, the autoinjectors are labeled and finally packaged. AMR robots are used for transportation between the various modules. These mobile robots are a valuable key to freely scalable and flexible production solutions for the future.

“Modular robot cells, combined with autonomous, mobile robots (AMR), result in innovative, highly flexible and safe cooperation between man and machine.” 

The project  

Thanks to Robotec Solutions' combined expertise in the areas of software architecture, control and robotics, a unique production concept has been created that meets future requirements in all respects.  

The Robotec team included Kevin Bossard (project management, design), Aron Spigaglia (software programming) and Livio Stocker (on-site installation, commissioning).