What to Consider While Adopting of Medical Device Automation

MedTech Outlook | Friday, October 29, 2021

Medical device automation is one of the most promising sectors for robotics because it helps cut manufacturing costs and improve the manufacturing process.

Fremont, CA:Robotics can process several items in the same system and can be reconfigured for new products, lowering costs and increasing delivery flexibility. As medical device makers confront increased cost pressures and shorter product lifecycles, the rationale for such integrated automation is becoming increasingly strong.

The design of a new medical device takes a lot of time and effort on the part of device developers. However, because they are so focused on the design's practical features and performance, they may ignore the necessity to consider production needs, such as assembly, especially if the product is expected to sell in the millions, as in single-use devices. Designing for automation becomes increasingly important as the industry moves toward robotics, owing to legal restraints. It might be difficult to go back and make even minor changes to a design or the production process once agency approval has been obtained.

The development of a novel medical device necessitates a significant amount of time and effort on the side of device creators. They may overlook the importance of considering production needs, such as assembly, because they are so focused on the design's practical features and performance, especially if the product is expected to sell in the millions, as in single-use devices. Due to regulatory constraints, designing for automation becomes increasingly necessary as the sector develops toward robotics. Once an agency has given its approval, it may be difficult to make even modest adjustments to a design or the production process.

The cleanroom is one area of medical automation, which is a hot topic given the present focus on infection control. Also, to create sterilized items without a secondary sterilization step, an aseptic atmosphere within the production process is desirable. Every time someone enters an aseptic environment clean room, they must go through a thorough cleaning procedure. Robots normally stay put and do not move in and out of the assembly area, reducing the possibility of pollutants being transported. The use of robotics in all areas of manufacturing will continue expanding, with medical device automation being one of the most promising areas. Robotic systems assist businesses in achieving their objectives while lowering overall manufacturing costs.