The world may still be years from realizing droids with human-like intelligence, but when it comes to pharmaceutical manufacturing, Amgen continues to evolve with cutting-edge robots that improve quality, accuracy and efficiency while enabling their human counterparts to focus on more complex tasks at manufacturing sites around the world. From self-guided forklifts to automated leaflet feeders and cleaner bots, here are the top 5 robots that are helping streamline biotech manufacturing at Amgen.
R2 and D2
They may not be in a galaxy far away, but real-life R2 and D2 are twin automated guided vehicles (AGVs) operating at Amgen's biomanufacturing facility in Singapore. These smart vehicles navigate the factory floors autonomously, using their forklifts to transport loads of drug substances, which can weigh more than 3 metric tons (~6,600 pounds). The AGVs use sensors and cameras to move through the facility safely and efficiently, supporting human staff who are hard at work making innovative medicines for patients.
MAVERIC and Goose
These robots feel the need...the need for speed, at least when it comes to tasks like vision testing, carbon print testing and process development testing. The two robots operate in tandem—MAVERIC is a conveyor belt (its name stands for Multi-purpose Automated Vision Examining Robot Integrated Conveyor) and Goose is a robotic arm—and they are currently still undergoing flight training as their engineers determine the best missions for them at the Amgen Ohio final product assembly and packaging plant.
AMSleek and AMSpan
They've got style. They've got skills. And they keep the workplace spic and span at Amgen's Singapore Site Operations. AMSleek and AMSpan are an autonomous cleaning duo that got their names through an employee contest. The AI-powered robots roam the site's lobbies, corridors, and cafeterias, handling routine cleaning tasks that would otherwise require significant manual effort, allowing human crews to focus on higher-value sanitization and disinfection responsibilities.
HANK
HANK is a key member of the team on the product packaging line at Amgen's facility in Breda, Netherlands. This robot handles the repetitive task of placing leaflets into product packaging before they make their way to patients. HANK was created in-house by Amgen's Digital Advancement team, and it excels at automating repetitive tasks, giving its human coworkers time to focus on more complex challenges.
Cobots
Amgen's cobots (short for collaborative robots) help ensure efficiency and quality at Amgen Manufacturing Limited, the company's largest manufacturing facility, based in Juncos, Puerto Rico. The cobots work alongside human colleagues to significantly boost precision in tasks like handling large quantities of vials filled with life-saving medicines.
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