To drive innovation in radiopharmaceutical manufacturing, Promation partnered with Rockwell to develop a technology demonstration platform that integrates automation, robotics, manufacturing execution, and enterprise connectivity. The platform showcases a connected digital workflow that links production equipment with manufacturing execution, inventory, ordering, and logistics systems.
Many of the systems currently used to support pharmaceutical production operate independently. “The real trick is to tie them together with a platform that will let them connect to the ERP system,” said Mike Robertson, Assistant General Manager, Promation. “All the infrastructure they have for the pharma production, that's still being done external to the equipment. Our solution shows that it is all tied in together.”
The platform demonstrates how connected technologies can bridge the gap between production and enterprise systems, creating a seamless flow of information across the manufacturing lifecycle.
Accelerating development with digital twins
Rockwell played a vital role in the platform's development, integrating CompactLogix® safety control, FactoryTalk® Optix™ visualization, PharmaSuite® MES, Emulate3D® digital twin software, and Unified Robot Control technology.
Using Emulate3D®, the Promation team was able to develop, test, and validate system functionality before physical equipment was built. Virtual commissioning helped verify equipment behavior, workflows, and integrations early in the development process, reducing risk and accelerating development. As Robertson explained, “We can do that all in the digital twin. And that reduces your development time so that once the equipment is built, basically you're off to the races, you're just testing the hardware.”
The platform also demonstrates how Unified Robot Control technology can integrate robotic control directly into the automation system, eliminating the need for a separate robot controller and simplifying coordination between automation and robotic operations.
The demonstration platform is helping manufacturers envision a connected approach to managing information and operations across the manufacturing lifecycle. Close collaboration between Promation and Rockwell was instrumental in bringing the platform to life. “The collaboration has been great. They've really stepped up and provided a lot of support, especially in the new technologies,” said Robertson.
