Robotic Pharmacy System Handling Liquid Medications
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current prescription filling systems are limited in their ability to handle liquid, reconstituted, and semi-solid medications, and require a pharmacist's physical presence for inspection and verification, restricting unattended operation and accessibility, especially for remote or underserved areas.
Innovation Solution
A robotic prescription filling and dispensing system that can handle various medication forms, including liquids and semi-solids, captures process data and images for remote pharmacist verification, and operates unattended, using bar code verification, electronic balances, and image capture to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a robotic prescription filling device is used, then productivity is improved by automated filling, but device complexity increases due to the need to handle multiple medication forms
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple medication forms (solids, liquids, semi-solids) through a single integrated platform. The robotic manipulator can adapt its end effector to different medication types, and the system includes universal components such as a multi-position dispensing station and integrated labeling system that work across all medication forms, thereby achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity
2Ease of operation
If unattended operation is implemented, then ease of operation is improved for remote patients, but reliability decreases due to lack of pharmacist supervision
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary verification layer where a remote pharmacist observes the automated robotic filling process through video feed and digital displays. The pharmacist receives real-time feeds showing the robotic manipulator handling medications, counting pills, measuring liquids, and applying labels. This intermediary observation allows the pharmacist to verify accuracy without physical presence, maintaining reliability while enabling unattended operation for patient accessibility
3Ease of operation
If remote pharmacist verification is used, then ease of operation is improved for patients in remote areas, but loss of time increases due to verification delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous operation through automated robotic filling that proceeds without interruption once initiated. The robotic manipulator continuously performs tasks such as dispensing medications, counting pills, measuring liquids, and applying labels in a seamless sequence. The remote pharmacist verifies these continuous actions through real-time video feeds, allowing the filling process to continue without idle waiting time, thus minimizing time loss while maintaining remote accessibility
4Adaptability or versatility
If the robotic system handles all medication forms, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to specialized handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system employs dynamic adaptability through a programmable robotic manipulator with interchangeable end effectors. The manipulator can be dynamically reconfigured to handle different medication forms by changing its grip mechanism, positioning accuracy, and dispensing method. The system includes dynamic adjustment capabilities for handling solids (pill counting), liquids (volume measurement), and semi-solids (tube dispensing) through software-controlled parameter adjustments rather than fixed mechanical designs, thereby achieving versatility without proportional complexity increase
Data Source
AI summary
Unattended robotic pharmacy systems are provided that include an enclosure defining a controlled access space and a prescription filling unit disposed within the controlled access space, the prescription filling unit configured to package and label a patient prescription of medication obtained from medication storage within the prescription filling unit. A finished prescription unit is disposed within the controlled access space and coupled to the prescription filling unit, the finished prescription unit configured to store the packaged and labeled patient prescription obtained from the prescription filling unit. An interface kiosk is coupled to the enclosure and disposed adjacent the finished prescription unit, the interface kiosk configured to receive input from a user and to dispense a finished prescription obtained from the finished prescription unit to the user.