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Introducing service robotics to the pharmaceutical industry

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Abstract

In this paper, we present the development of a prototype of service robot for the pharmaceutical industry. First, the paper describes the analysis of functional and economical justifications of a service robot in this manufacturing segment. The warehouse of the Parma (Italy) GSK plant was identified as suitable, and goods transportation as the highest impact application. Then, the paper describes some of the key technologies of mobile manipulation proposed for this service robot. We summarize the functional aspects of the system, and its main control elements. The project produced a feasibility proof of safe and efficient goods transportation in a partially structured, dynamic and public environment, with minimal impact on the manufacturing plant. We conclude the paper by summarizing the validation steps needed to make these technologies accepted by the pharmaceutical industry.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ALTAIR-Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie, 15, 37134, Verona, Italy

    Paolo Fiorini & Debora Botturi

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  1. Paolo Fiorini
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  2. Debora Botturi
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Correspondence to Paolo Fiorini.

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Fiorini, P., Botturi, D. Introducing service robotics to the pharmaceutical industry. Intel Serv Robotics 1, 267–280 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11370-008-0019-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11370-008-0019-2

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