How Automation Impacts Life Science?
Companies and organisations have embraced automation and automated technology in the manufacturing and study of the life science industry. Life sciences and research in these areas are essential to maintaining human health and safety from diseases, and environmental threats. Furthermore, automating the various processes involved in manufacturing decreases overall production time, reduces cost and increases productivity. Automation also establishes progress in research, development, production and regulation. This assists in speeding up the delivery of medication and enhancing developmental efforts in the medical business through computational modelling and automated drug development.
The industrial sector has recently benefited from various technological advancements that have simplified, accelerated, and increased the productivity of processes. This is primarily made possible by automating the many intricate tasks and jobs that often require human input. Other technological advancements like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have also contributed to improving the manufacturing processes. By taking enormous volumes of data to improve decision-making, forecast problems, and solve them before they even occur, these technological advancements have benefitted production as a whole.
With automation technology, there is more time to be spent on other processes as automation replaces time-consuming and repetitive tasks with quicker processes. A fully automated production line refers to carrying out an entire process utilising technology and systems, replacing lengthy manufacturing processes that call for human interaction and participation. Employee participation in such a setup usually consists of inputting the process steps and other activities into the interface, supervising those actions, and checking for issues like the need for resource inputs. Additionally, there are semi-automated assembly systems that only require human labour for loading or inserting component materials. The remainder is completed by machines. All these technologies have a significant and long-lasting influence on handling information, doing research, responding to change, and helping humankind.
The improvement of life for all organisms, including people, animals, and plants, is the focus of the life sciences sector. It includes companies, organisations, and research institutions that work hand in hand for the betterment of these organisms. Pharmaceuticals, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Neuroscience, Environmental sciences and Biomedicine are the various branches of the life science industry where automation can be applied to better the processes of production.
Automation technology helps life sciences organisations be productive, safer, and more cost-effective. They benefit significantly from digital tools which offer improved insight, efficiency, and automation of numerous error-prone procedures. The various applications for automation in the life science industry are:
- Testing and Approval
- Production Processes
- Research and Development
Testing and Approval
The testing and approval procedure for medical and healthcare supplies have always been a long and drawn-out affair. Scientists and researchers were involved in this and because of the high requirements set by the life science sector, it was a very tedious process. However, due to recent developments in life science and technology, there are ways to enhance the efficiency of production processes. As a result of automation, the time from the creation of a new idea to the release of the product into the market has shortened.
Production Processes
Automated assembly lines has made manufacturing simpler and more effective. The large variety of products offered by medical device manufacturers varies depending on the medical specialties they cater to, such as cardiology, neurology, or basic healthcare supplies like syringes and blood bags. Processes for assembling medical devices may need high-volume, high-precision manufacturing assembly. The packing requirements and quantity requirements of diverse clients or consumers also frequently change. As a result, there are several forms of automation that can be specifically created to meet different purposes and range in efficiency and function. As a result of their precise features, machines help to drastically minimise manufacturing costs by reducing the waste of raw resources.
Research and Development
The future of healthcare and medical research lies in the life sciences. New treatments and other technologically advanced healthcare devices are being developed for diseases and disorders using biotechnology. Data is necessary for research and development in the life science sector, particularly in the initial stages of the production process and automation is a crucial step in this process. As an analytics tool, artificial intelligence and machine learning automation allow for more rapid and precise data collection and product quality assessment. It improves data analysis by combining multiple data sources and doing cross-checks.
Automation significantly impacts the life sciences and healthcare sectors. Both industries lagged behind other sectors in the technological adoption at one point. However, soon after the pandemic, companies under the life sciences setor has also started investing in automation to boost production and increase efficiency. There are several benefits to incorporating automation in the manufacturing processes of the life science industry.
The Benefits of Automation
When the production plant uses traditional assembly and manual labor, the likelihood of error increases. There is also an increased chance of resource material or product waste during the manufacturing process. By boosting production, automation reduces the product's cost per unit and raises profitability. By implementing the appropriate automation, which is specially designed for their intricate processes and wide range of products, businesses may significantly reduce labour costs and consistently maintain high quality. Due to the use of robots, vision-based inspection systems, automated conveyance, and other technology to move the devices or product through each step of an automated manufacturing sequence, the advent of an automated assembly line or automated assembly system is advantageous to the industry. Automation of the assembly procedure guarantees both productivity and product quality.
The growth of research and development operations in the medical and healthcare industries depends on efficiency. Therefore, automation plays a crucial role in this industry. Collected data can be used for research as long as results are trustworthy. Thus, efficiency is a factor that is of paramount importance in the life science sector. With automation, the life science sector ensures efficiency and accuracy in its production process. As a result, automation in the life science sector has made a significant impact on the industry and the academia.
Automation also guarantees the safety and security of the employees working in the life science sector. Employees who work in this sector may come into contact with potentially hazardous chemicals or other harmful items. Given that it safely completes operations and testing involving such dangerous substances, an automated assembly line is helpful in this scenario. By taking over boring or dangerous duties, technology can successfully remove human workers from hazardous situations. Medical equipment manufacturing can be made simpler and risk-free by using an automated system that manages complex experiment tasks.
TEAL (Titan Engineering and Automation Limited) is pleased to be associated with the life science sector since it enables people to make the most of technology and lead better lives. They provide assembly and testing services for medical devices such as inhalers, needles, insulin pens, IV cannulas, safety masks, and blood bags. Customers have a great deal of trust in TEAL’s goods and services as they are of the highest quality. They are enhancing people's lives by taking a vital part the impact of automation in the life science sector. Contact TEAL today!
