Robotics And AI In Pharma: Driving The Next Wave Of Innovation

By Victoria Morgan, Sr. Director, Commercial Go to Market, West Pharmaceutical Services

Pharmaceutical manufacturing is transitioning from traditional mechanical systems toward a high-tech era defined by precision and sterility. While robotics have existed in various forms for years, modern advancements allow for multi-axis movement and integrated vision systems that can identify and react to production variables in real time. This shift is increasingly driven by a regulatory imperative to minimize human intervention and eliminate contamination risks, particularly under updated guidelines like EU GMP Annex 1.

Although retrofitting older facilities remains complex due to space constraints, these technologies are becoming the standard for new lines handling high-value, low-volume products like ATMPs. Beyond hardware, AI-driven feedback loops are set to transform quality control by correcting defects before they occur. Embracing this evolution requires a workforce skilled in computer science and a long-term view of efficiency.