Robotic Inspection System Improves Accuracy

Courtesy of Stevanto Group

The Vision Robot Unit (VRU) from Italy-based Stevanto Group will provide biopharma companies with a fully automatized, accurate, and flexible inspection system for drug products. The producer of glass primary packaging and provider of integrated capabilities for drug delivery systems launched the modular, robotic inspection system that incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) with accrued machine learning capabilities at its Interphex Virtual Exhibition (July 15–17, 2020). The unit uses advanced analytical tools to identify and classify defective products with greater accuracy and robustness.

The VRU is an autonomous module capable of automatically inspecting both cosmetic and particle properties without human intervention. A patent-pending island design uses a plug-and-play concept with a configurable infeed and outfeed. It is also scalable, as multiple vision inspection units can be added to increase throughput. The process mitigates the likelihood of product damage or breakage by eliminating glass-to-glass contact. 

The unit uses AI technology to improve inspection performance. The unit can quickly react to changing product characteristics, including active ingredient variations, differing fill levels, and different containers, even throughout a single batch. It is also adaptive, exhibiting continuous learning from both production and operator stimuli. The result is an improvement in the reduction in both false rejects and false positives.

The VRU can be employed both in laboratory settings and for small-batch production.  It is designed to meet emerging “smart factory” needs for a fully automated, flexible inspection. The unit includes automatic format changes and the ability to gradually reduce set-up times using image and data collection. The VRU is available with or without additional collaborative robots. Basic models offer particle inspection, while an optional add-on provides cosmetic inspection. 

Source: Stevanto Group