Automated Visual Inspection for Small Scale Production
In today's fast-paced pharmaceutical industry, quality assurance is critical, especially when it concerns the safety and integrity of injectable medications. With the increasing complexity of drug production and stringent regulatory requirements, the need for precise and efficient inspection is more important than ever. The EVO CAX represents a groundbreaking solution that not only overcomes the challenges of manual visual inspection but also sets new standards in automation technology.
Challenges of Visual Inspection of Small Batches
In pharmaceutical production, the integrity of injectable solutions is paramount. Due to strict regulatory requirements, comprehensive inspections for particulates and container defects are necessary to ensure patient safety. Traditionally, this critical quality control was performed through manual visual inspection (MVI), which is associated with high labor costs, personnel shortages, and significant training requirements and can be compromised by human factors such as fatigue.
Our Approach to Automating Small Batch Visual Inspection
With the trend towards Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) and thus an increasing demand for medicines in small batches, the need for more efficient and accurate inspection methods is growing. By integrating human-like sensory and cognitive functions, a robotic framework has been developed. The EVO CAX utilizes automated visual inspection systems to increase precision while maintaining the adaptability of human inspectors. Special consideration was given to footprint, efficiency and flexibility.
Our Solution for Automated Visual Inspection of Small Production Batches
The EVO CAX combines advanced robotics and optical technologies that mimic the accuracy and flexibility of human inspectors. With the static optical path (WILCO OptiX™) and the ability to inspect various vial sizes (2R - 30R) without mechanical adjustments, this solution sets new standards in automated visual inspection. Rapid format changes and short recipe development times minimize downtime, while the GMP-compliant design allows for easy cleaning and quick line clearance.
The system is also easily scalable across the entire lifecycle of the product being tested. From the launch of the drug, through re-inspection of the ejecta during the growth and maturity phases, to the withdrawal of the product multiple EVOs can be combined into a fleet concept. A single operator can manage up to four EVOs.
Various Applications
The EVO CAX supports diverse applications throughout the entire drug lifecycle and can be used economically and as needed:
- Clinical trials and small batch production - where precision and adaptability are of utmost importance.
- Commercial large-scale production - Ejection testing spares inline production systems unnecessary additional testing.
- Media Fill inspections - Automates traditional manual labor.
Advantages in Automating Visual Inspection
Switching from MVI to automated systems like the EVO CAX offers significant advantages:
- Increased operational efficiency: Automates visual inspection, enabling more consistent and reliable results than MVI and reducing reliance on qualified personnel.
- Increased flexibility: Allows for rapid product changeover and variable batch sizes without compromising inspection quality, crucial for clinical trials and small batch production.
- Economic efficiency: Minimizes the economic impacts of small batch sizes and reduces the time needed for recipe development and operator training.
- Scalability and flexibility: Quickly adapts to new product types and market conditions, optimizes the system's useful life, and maximizes flexibility in production operations.
