INTEGRATION OF ROBOTICS INTO THE PHARMACEUTICAL PROCESS CONTROL ENVIRONMENT

A case study showing the design methodology for integrating robotics and automation into the pharmaceutical process control environment is presented. The work undertaken has been primarily concerned with the use of robotics in hazardous environments. The automated systems have removed the pharmacist from the hazardous work area where a computer controlled system continually monitors the process and maintains constant product quality. The system provides detail records for full product tractability. This allows the pharmacist to be released from conducting mundane repetitive tasks to the more important duties of diagnosing and treating patients.