Robotronic and Mitsubishi Electric's Smallest Automated Palletizing Cell to Strengthen Pharmaceutical Supply Chain

[Erkan Teskancan]

Robotronic and Mitsubishi Electric have introduced the "smallest" automated palletizing cell for vials and pre-filled syringes, aiming to strengthen the European pharmaceutical supply chain and shorten drug delivery times. This new low-footprint automation cell seeks to address the high demand and supply issues in the pharmaceutical sector.

Swiss-based Robotronic has been collaborating with Mitsubishi Electric's Factory Automation EMEA division for over 20 years. The two companies aim to accelerate production processes with this new system, developed to overcome drug shortages across Europe, from children's cough syrups to antibiotics and cancer treatments.

With the European Medicines Agency focusing on production and quality issues, the goal is to reduce supply chain fragility and improve patient care quality. Robotronic founder Mike Weber emphasized the critical need for faster production, highlighting the use of their system where two robots work integrated at high speed and precision.

### Technical Specifications

• Utilizes two Mitsubishi Electric FR series robots
• SoftTouch technology for precise handling of glass products without risk of damage
• Capable of handling small pallets measuring 120cm x 80cm
• Processing capacity of 600 products per minute
• High efficiency with minimal space requirements
• Guaranteed zero product damage without contact with glass surfaces

This technological partnership between Robotronic and Mitsubishi Electric aims to increase production efficiency in the pharmaceutical sector, shorten delivery times, and create a more resilient supply chain.