22 RXINSIDER | 2026 PHARMACY500 PLATINUM PAGES
OVERVIEW
Pharmacy automation enhances efficiency, accuracy, and
safety in medication management through technologies,
including automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs), material
transport delivery, pneumatic tubes, med carts, pharmacy
fulfillment robots, smart pumps, infusion pumps, tablet and
capsule counters. These solutions handle tasks such as
sorting, labeling, dispensing, inventory tracking, and medication
delivery, reducing errors and optimizing workflows to improve
patient care.
KEY TERMS
• Pharmacy Automated Dispensing Cabinets (ADCs) are
computerized, self-contained machines used in hospitals
to store, manage, and dispense medications automatically.
They are integrated into the medication management
system to improve accuracy, efficiency, and safety in
medication dispensing.
• Pharmacy material transport robots are automated systems
designed to transport medications, supplies, and other
pharmacy-related materials within the hospital environment.
• Medication carts are mobile units or trolleys used in
healthcare settings to store, organize, and transport
medications and related supplies to patients.
• Pharmacy fulfillment robots are automated systems used
in pharmacies to handle the preparation, packaging, and
dispensing of medications.
• A Pneumatic Tube Delivery System (PTS) in a hospital is
an automated transportation system that uses compressed
air to propel capsules or containers through tubes to various
locations in the hospital to quickly and securely transport
medications, prescriptions, and other small items within the
hospital. Medication infusion pumps are medical devices
used to deliver controlled amounts of medication, fluids, or
nutrients into a patient’s body over a specific period.
• Pharmacy tablet counters are specialized machines used
in pharmacies to accurately count tablets and capsules,
streamlining the dispensing process, improving accuracy, and
reducing the time and effort required for manual counting.
AUTOMATION
• Automated Dispensing Cabinets (ADCs)
• Material Transport Delivery, Pneumatic Tubes
• Med Carts, Computer Carts, COWs
• Pharmacy Fulfillment Robots
• Smart Pumps, Infusion Pumps
• Tablet & Capsule Counters
Source: NCPA 2025 Digest
of hospitals use ADCs in their
medication use systems.
93%
of pharmacies utilize
automated counting
technology (pill counters).
67%
of daily retail pharmacy
prescription volume can be
automated by typical
vial-filling robots.
45%
Source: Eyecon | RXSafe
Source: ASHP