Pharmacy Robot EvoTec

Intelligent algorithms enable smart loading and unloading that maximizes space in your pharmacy. Being able to drop in boxes at the same time saves you valuable time. And our reliable robot reduces manual warehousing tasks by automating sort, catalog, and the loading of received drugs onto shelves based on what was purchased. In addition to increasing efficiency and accuracy, automation also gives you more time to focus on patients.

Smart storage and retrieval, combined with real-time inventory updates, help your pharmacy run more efficiently and reduces costs. Being able to manage your stock more effectively also contributes to significant savings. When it comes to space savings, EvoTec saves 20-25% more compared to more traditional systems. Less time managing inventory means you can spend more time counseling patients.

Whatever your space or pharmacy design requirements, EvoTec can flexibly meet your specific needs. Customize the color and position of slides to suit your set-up. Adding automation to your workflow also ensures medication gets where it needs to with reliable chutes. Moving medication vertically is also possible with the EvoTec's vertical moving dispensing conveyors.

EvoTec’s automatic loading feature enables you to simply drop medications into our E-Load module, saving you time. The item is then automatically scanned and verified for accuracy, before it is recorded in the system. Automated cross-checking of box dimensions and bar codes prevents errors, and real-time inventory updates avoids medications wastage. Our reliable technology then sorts, controls and sends medication to the storage area.

Self-learning technology and advanced software automatically calculate product demand to manage stock, maintain sufficient stock and optimize pharmacy workflow. Double-picking crane technology enables you to achieve optimum efficiency by using the multi-picking function that includes an adaptable robotic arm that moves autonomously or in unison. Our system is reinforced by a back-up battery and external hard drive – so it is always dependable.

The E-Load unit is an important add-on component of EvoTec. The loading unit prevents the loading of wrong articles by cross-checking box dimensions and barcodes. E-Load automatically identifies products from delivery notes and updates inventories in pharmacy inventory systems.

On top of AirTec, the pneumatic connection between the pharmacy robot and the dispensing counter, there are a variety of other transport solutions to complement the EvoTec in transporting medication from the robot to the dispensing counter:

• Toboggan - personalize the color, size and position to complement the pharmacy’s interior decor.
• Lift - compact and wieldy, it is the most convenient solution for vertical displacements.
• Conveyor belts - most convenient solution for horizontal transport needs.

EvoTec does not limit its handling to a specific loading unit: differently from other robots, EvoTec can handle single box, mono-reference multiple box or mixed-product loading.

A pharmacy robot is used to store and dispense medication boxes. The packs are stored in compartments whereby one compartment always contains one kind of drug. The pharmacist requests the drug to start the automatic dispensing process.

EvoTec is able to pick and dispense several identical or different items in a single operation. One or two robotic cranes – depending on the installation – inside the system take over the storage and retrieval of the medicine boxes.

The system continuously optimizes the storage and monitors the expiration dates of the medications. With two robotic cranes, three parallel workflows are possible:

• storage and retrieval
• stock optimization and retrieval
• optimization and loading

The loading process of the pharmacy robot is semi-automated. EvoTec offers three different modes:

• Single box: one single pack is loaded
• Mono-reference multiple box: multiple boxes of the same drug are stored simultaneously
• Multi-reference: several packs of different kinds of medication are stored at the same time

When the pharmacy decides to implement a fully automated loading process with the extra module E-Load, multiple medication boxes can be loaded by using a conveyor belt. Thanks to a buffer conveyor belt, this process is even more efficient in terms of throughput. If the cranes of EvoTec are not able to pick boxes immediately, because they are busy with dispensing or optimizing storage, the conveyor belt moves one step further and E-Load continues placing new boxes on it. As soon as the cranes are available, they continue to pick boxes on this belt.

During the loading process, the medications will be scanned and registered via the system's software.

Implementing automation solutions generally accelerates and optimizes processes in pharmacies. When pharmaceutical staff should handle fewer manual and repetitive tasks, pharmacy robots come into play. Skilled employees can focus on their core competencies, e.g. customer consultation.

Additionally, the high-density storage of EvoTec frees up space in the selling area of a pharmacy that can be used as a consultation room or to advertise high-marginality products. By upgrading EvoTec with AirTec, you can delocalize storage and free up even more space in the pharmacy.

Pharmacy robots can be used for two reasons: optimized handling of over-the-counter products and for better inventory management of prescription drugs. Fast movers, drugs that are sold in large quantities and therefore have to be retrieved frequently, are particularly suitable for automated dispensing systems.