Towards Healthcare
Pharmacy Automation Devices Market to Drive USD 19.9 Bn by 2034

Pharmacy Automation Devices Market Advances with Smart Systems

Market insights predict the global pharmacy automation devices industry will increase from USD 7.6 billion in 2024 to USD 19.9 billion by 2034, achieving a CAGR of 10.1%. A shortage of well-trained professionals is boosting the wider adoption of pharmacy automation devices. A surge in chronic disease management is propelling North America’s market expansion.

Category: Healthcare IT Insight Code: 6179 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

The global pharmacy automation devices market size is calculated at US$ 7.6 billion in 2024, grew to US$ 8.37 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach around US$ 19.9 billion by 2034. The market is expanding at a CAGR of 10.1% between 2025 and 2034.

Pharmacy Automation Devices Market Size 2024 to 2034

In the expanding health facilities, there is lack of trained personnel is mainly driving the demand for advanced automation devices. The global pharmacy automation devices market encompasses the widespread use of automated dispensing systems, robotic automation, and barcode solutions. Alongside the development of centralized pharmacies, tele-pharmacy, and e-commerce healthcare platforms, these are influencing a wider adoption of numerous automation solutions. Innovations in inventory management are also fueling the demand for online platforms.

Key Takeaways

  • The pharmacy automation devices market will likely exceed USD 7.6 billion by 2024.
  • Valuation is projected to hit USD 19.9 billion by 2034.
  • Estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.1% starting from 2025 to 2034.
  • North America dominated the pharmacy automation devices market in 2024.
  • Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By device type, the automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) segment led the global market in 2024.
  • By device type, the robotic pharmacy dispensing systems segment is expected to be the fastest-growing in the studied years.
  • By application, the hospital pharmacy automation segment held a major share of the market in 2024.
  • By application, the retail pharmacy automation segment is expected to witness rapid expansion during 2025-2034.
  • By end-user, the hospitals & clinics segment was dominant in the pharmacy automation devices market in 2024.
  • By end-user, the retail pharmacies segment is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years.
  • By distribution channel, the direct sales segment registered dominance in the market in 2024.
  • By distribution channel, the online/e-commerce platforms segment is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period.
  • By technology, the robotic automation segment led the market in 2024.
  • By technology, the AI & machine learning-based inventory management segment is expected to grow at a rapid CAGR during 2025-2034.
Table Scope
Market Size in 2025 USD 8.37 Billion
Projected Market Size in 2034 USD 19.9 Billion
CAGR (2025 - 2034) 10.1%
Leading Region North America
Market Segmentation By Device Type, By Application, By End-User, By Distribution Channel, By Technology, By Region
Top Key Players BD (Becton Dickinson), Capsa Healthcare, Cerner Corporation, Celesio AG, Durrer Group, EVE Automation, Famar Health, McKesson Corporation, Omnicell, Inc., Parata Systems, LLC, ScriptPro, Swisslog Healthcare, Talyst Systems, Werfen Life Group, MedDispense / Global Robotics Solutions

Market Overview: Streamlining Workflows

The global pharmacy automation devices market refers to automated systems and equipment used in pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare facilities to streamline medication management, dispensing, packaging, storage, and inventory control. These devices reduce human error, enhance operational efficiency, optimize workflow, and improve patient safety. Key technologies include robotic dispensers, automated storage and retrieval systems, pill counters, and integrated pharmacy management software.

  • The market is emphasizing the minimization of medication errors, optimization of patient safety, and improvement of operational effectiveness in pharmacies.
  • In June 2025, Eli Lilly invested $2B in a new plant led by automation, robotics, and local talent.
  • In March 2025, Addtronics, LLC, a consolidator of high-quality, niche automation technology and solution providers that innovate for the life sciences and other industries, entered into a series of crucial partnerships that strengthen its commitment to delivering cutting-edge automation solutions across multiple industries.
  • In December 2024, Omnicell UK & Ireland, a significant provider of pharmacy and nursing care automation solutions, partnered with Gollmann to combine the German manufacturer’s advanced robotic storage and dispensing technology into its retail and central pharmacy solutions portfolio.

AI Integration in the Pharmacy Automation Devices Market

Primarily, AI-enabled robots and automated systems precisely sort, count, and dispense medications, drastically lowering human labor and the likelihood of human error. In recent days, robots, such as those employed by Dr. Max with Brightpick technology, pick and consolidate orders in pharmacies and warehouses, enhancing order accuracy and delivery speed. Additionally, AI-driven inventory management that estimates demand and mitigates stockouts, smart software for the determination of drug interactions, and simplifying prescription management are also impacting the wider market expansion.

Market Dynamics

Driver

Limited Professionals and Other Improvements

Around the globe, a rise in digitalization is mainly boosting the new advancements in automation devices. The global pharmacy automation devices market is propelled by a lack of well-trained pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. Also, the ongoing breakthroughs in robotics, AI, predictive analytics, and advanced software are revolutionizing pharmacy operations, making processes quicker and more accurate. Whereas an inclusion of other improvements, especially automated storage and retrieval systems, integrated with barcode scanning and smart dashboards, facilitates better inventory control and minimizes waste, ultimately giving affordable solutions.

Restraint

Concerns About ROI and Cyberattacks

These automated devices can store vast datasets, mainly sensitive patient and medication data, which eventually may be targeted by cyberattacks and data breaches. Alongside the developing issues regarding return on investment (ROI) for these systems, there are some pharmacies hesitant to adopt them.

Opportunity

Enhancements in Patient Monitoring and Tele-pharmacy

During 2025-2034, the global pharmacy automation devices market will have transforming opportunities, like boosting focus on personalization and precision medicine. As well as advancing digital health solutions and remote consultation platforms will accelerate robust patient monitoring, outcome monitoring, and offer remote patient counselling. Most of the time, this market aims for detailed integration with present systems for automating routine ordering and streamlining operations, while tele-pharmacy will also contribute to remote patient counselling and support in numerous healthcare settings.

Segmental Insights

How did the Automated Dispensing Cabinets (ADCs) Segment Lead the Market in 2024?

In 2024, the automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) segment accounted for the biggest revenue share of the pharmacy automation devices market. A broader range of usage of this computerized type of device in hospitals to store, track, and dispense medications at the point of care, imposing decentralized mini-warehouses, is driving the overall progression. Alongside, ADCs assist in simplifying medication dispensing processes, freeing up pharmacy staff to emphasis on other major tasks and expanding overall workflow.

Eventually, the robotic pharmacy dispensing systems segment is predicted to expand rapidly during 2025-2034. A wider benefits of these systems in secure storing, locating, and dispensing drugs, boosting storage capacity, and speeding up retrieval are supporting their widespread adoption. Moreover, other approaches are facilitating the selection of vials, applying labels, and filling prescriptions with greater accuracy. Also, the use of cloud-based solutions offers real-time updates, software updates, and data analysis for enhanced operations and compliance. The application of robots in the accurate preparation of sterile solutions, comprising toxic chemotherapy drugs, helps in the reduction of human exposure to hazardous substances.

Which Application Segment Dominated the Pharmacy Automation Devices Market in 2024?

The hospital pharmacy automation segment captured a dominant share of the market in 2024. The emergence of robotics, barcodes, and RFID technology is developing more sophisticated, precise, and user-friendly systems that escalate workflow and data management in these pharmacies. The exploration of pneumatic tube systems (PTSs) for the faster transport of drugs and samples around the hospital further lowers transport time and improves emergency response. For unit-dose level, robots are expanding repackaging and pick-and-dispense systems for patient therapies, while AI is also propelling features, particularly digital inventory visibility. 

On the other hand, the retail pharmacy automation segment will grow rapidly. This segment encompasses real-time inventory tracking employing RFID and barcode technologies; the broader adoption of cloud-based systems for data sharing and remote access contributes to segment growth. Whereas the growing focus on tele-pharmacy and remote services to reach underserved areas is fueling the immersion of automation. Recently developed platforms like Teladoc and CVS Pharmacy's tele-pharmacy program are allowing remote pharmacist consultations for better patient access, mainly for underserved communities.

Why did the Hospitals & Clinics Segment Dominate the Market in 2024?

The hospitals & clinics segment led the pharmacy automation devices market in 2024. The major drivers, such as a rise in chronic illness cases, a huge growth in prescription volumes, and a stringent regulatory landscape, are fueling the overall segmental expansion. In 2024, innovations in automated dispensing systems, like Omnicell’s XT Automated Dispensing Cabinets and Intelligent Medication Dispensing Trolleys, such as the AMiS-PRO Smart Cart, are created to accelerate medication accuracy, minimize errors, and improve inventory management.

Moreover, the retail pharmacies segment is anticipated to expand fastest during 2025-2034. Nowadays, consumers are highly preferring retail pharmacies as they provide convenient, affordable, effective, and speedy services. Continuous automation, like  RxSafe System, supports secure storing and retrieving prescription containers in their native packaging, while facilitating secure storage for up to 5,400 prescription containers in a small footprint. The widespread developments in digital health tools, mainly virtual pillboxes, mobile apps, and medication reminders, are assisting in patient adherence, particularly for chronic disease management.

What Made the Direct Sales Segment Dominant in the Market in 2024?

In the pharmacy automation devices market, the direct sales segment held a major share in 2024. The segment is driven by ongoing advances, like barcode labeling software, like the m: Print system from Pearson Medical Technologies, and right-sized packaging systems to ensure compliance and effectiveness. Alongside, leading manufacturers, especially Omnicell and ScriptPro, are unveiling new robotic systems, like the Omnicell XR-100 and the ScriptPro MedStation, for automated pharmaceutical distribution.

Whereas the online/e-commerce platforms segment is estimated to witness rapid growth. The growing mobile penetration and online platforms are enabling the wider reach, with at-home delivery services, along with a rise in the demand for automated solutions for robust handling of complex logistics, acting as significant drivers. Highly developed approaches, like Square for pharmacies, help in the management of in-store and online transactions, and further integration with e-commerce platforms for inventory and sales tracking. Also, PharmEasy and Apollo Pharmacy are using innovative automation technologies to allow online ordering, rapid delivery, and a wide range of healthcare products.

Which Technology Led the Pharmacy Automation Devices Market in 2024?

The robotic automation segment captured the largest revenue share of the market in 2024. The accelerating need for operational efficiency and precision, a desire to lower medication errors, and enhancing emphasis on lowering labor expenses are propelling the overall market growth. Recent advances, like Steriline's Robotic Filling Machine, apply "zero friction" magnetically levitated systems for transporting containers, including vials and syringes, which ultimately reduces particle generation and improves sterile environments.

The AI & machine learning-based inventory management segment is predicted to expand rapidly. Majorly, AI automates inventory classification (like high-turnover vs. low-turnover items), which further optimizes organization and storage efficiency. The emergence of predictive models for antibiotic demand and use, AI-driven robots for automated picking in large warehouses, such as Dr. Max pharmacies, and AI systems that monitor and flag expiring medications in automated dispensing systems is transforming the automation solutions. The increasing use of AI software enables community pharmacists to predict future patient needs, handle stock levels, and even send tailored reminders to patients for their medications, enhancing patient adherence and satisfaction.

Regional Insights

What Made North America Dominant in the Market in 2024?

North America’s pharmacy automation devices market led with a major share in 2024. This region is focusing on chronic disease management, the use of  AI algorithms in sorting, storing, and distributing medications, resulting in greater overall productivity, better space utilization, and accelerated speed in pharmacy operations. Recently, Swisslog Healthcare's ezCUT automated tablet cutter was introduced in an alliance with JVM Manufacturing, which device that accurately and automatically cuts oral solid medications for half-strength prescriptions, strengthening workflow efficiency.

U.S. Market Trends

In May 2025, Swisslog Healthcare, a player in pharmacy and transport automation solutions, unveiled the UC30 Automated Tablet Counter, a novel add-on feature for the AutoPack Automated Oral Solid Packager.

Canada Market Trends

Canada’s pharmacy automation devices market is experiencing a major expansion due to the presence of leading players, like McKesson, ScriptPro, and evolving firms, including MedAvail Technologies and JFCRx are introducing and distributing advanced technologies in pharmacy.

For instance,

  • In July 2025, CenterGate Capital, an Austin, Texas-based private equity investment firm, invested in JRTech Solutions, a significant provider of pricing automation and robotic inventory management technology in North America.

Escalating Adoption and Large-Scale Facilities are Driving the Asia Pacific

During 2025-2034, the Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness the fastest growth in the pharmacy automation devices market. As numerous ongoing investments and developments of healthcare infrastructure, such as hospitals and clinics, powered by governments, are bolstering the further adoption of automation devices in ASAP. These facilities are fostering the greater use of automated dispensing cabinets and storage systems to enhance patient safety and operational efficiency. ASAP’s market is shifting towards centralized pharmacy automation systems in large healthcare facilities, allowing more effective medication dispensing on a larger scale and minimizing overall expenditures.

China Market Trends

In September 2025, Sin-Iron Innovation Technology Pte Ltd, a flagship bilateral investment project under the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park and a Singapore-based healthcare innovation enterprise, reaffirmed its robust commitment to advancing smart healthcare solutions in Singapore and the broader ASEAN.

South Korea Market Trends

In February 2025, Hanmi Pharmaceutical launched Countmate, a fully automated vial dispensing machine evolved to meet the specific needs of the Canadian and US pharmaceutical markets.

Ongoing Advances and Initiatives are Driving Europe

Europe is experiencing a notable expansion in the pharmacy automation devices market. The rising developments of innovative and AI-enabled hardware and software solutions are making pharmacy automation more accessible and efficient, further fostering its adoption. Alongside, a crucial European initiative is underway to design a unified standard for pharmacy automation, making systems "plug-and-play" compliant to lower integration expenses and boosting flexibility.

For this market,

  • In April 2025, VusionGroup (VU- FR0010282822), the global player in digitalization solutions for commerce, made a new roll-out with Dr. Max, one of the leading pharmacy chains in Europe, to deploy its state-of-the-art solutions throughout their stores across Europe.

Top Companies in the Pharmacy Automation Devices Market

Pharmacy Automation Devices Market Companies

Latest Announcements by Industry Leaders

  • In May 2025, Pharmesol entered into a partnership with PioneerRx, a RedSail Technologies company, to empower AI for high-throughput, scalable call automation with patients, providers, and PBMs. Natalie Park, co-founder of Pharmesol, commented that this alliance will support pharmacies' use of AI to efficiently automate operations and respond to the highly complex market conditions they are facing.
  • In December 2024, Swisslog Healthcare, a leading provider of robotic medication management solutions, and BD, a leading global medical technology company, made a co-marketing agreement to provide hospital pharmacies with a new approach to end-to-end medication management. Cory Kwarta, President and CEO of Swisslog Healthcare, noted that this will foster a major advantage for hospital pharmacies as they implement pharmacy automation solutions.

What are the Recent Developments in the Pharmacy Automation Devices Market?

  • In July 2025, Swisslog Healthcare, a player in pharmacy and transport automation solutions, launched the i-Rolly, a new add-on feature for the AutoPack Automated Oral Solid Packager.
  • In July 2025, Swisslog Healthcare, a pharmacy automation solutions provider, introduced PillPick Octave, its newest model of the PillPick automated unit dose system. 
  • In March 2025, Capsa Healthcare, a pioneer in medication management, pharmacy automation, and point-of-care technologies, unveiled a grand opening of its state-of-the-art Innovation Center at its corporate headquarters in Canal Winchester, Ohio.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Device Type

  • Automated Dispensing Cabinets (ADCs)
  • Robotic Pharmacy Dispensing Systems
  • Automated Pill Counters & Sorters
  • Automated Packaging & Labeling Systems
  • Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems 

By Application

  • Hospital Pharmacy Automation
  • Retail Pharmacy Automation
  • Clinical & Specialty Pharmacy Automation
  • Mail-Order & E-Pharmacy Automation 

By End-User

  • Hospitals & Clinics
  • Retail Pharmacies
  • Long-term Care Facilities/Nursing Homes
  • Mail-Order & E-Pharmacies 

By Distribution Channel

  • Direct Sales (Manufacturer to Healthcare Facility)
  • Distributors/Medical Device Dealers
  • Online/E-commerce Platforms 

By Technology

  • Robotic Automation
  • Pneumatic Tube Systems
  • AI & Machine Learning-based Inventory Management
  • Barcode/RFID-based Systems 

By Region 

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Thailand
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Sweden
    • Denmark
    • Norway
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Argentina
  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)
    • South Africa
    • UAE
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Kuwait
  • Last Updated: 18 September 2025
  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Deepa Pandey is a focused and detail-oriented market research professional with growing expertise in the healthcare sector, delivering high-quality insights across therapeutic areas, diagnostics, biotechnology and healthcare services.

Learn more about Deepa Pandey

Aditi Shivarkar is a seasoned professional with over 14 years of experience in healthcare market research. As a content reviewer, Aditi plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and accuracy of all market insights and data presented by the research team.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

Related Reports

FAQ's

The pharmacy automation devices market in 2025 is valued at USD 8.37 billion and is projected to climb to USD 19.9 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 10.1% over the forecast period.

North America is currently leading the pharmacy automation devices market due to a greater focus on chronic disease management and AI algorithms.

Some key players include BD (Becton Dickinson), Capsa Healthcare, Cerner Corporation, Celesio AG, and Durrer Group.

Automation will transform retail pharmacies by enhancing dispensing, smart inventory management, AI & predictive analytics, 3D printing, telehealth & remote monitoring.

The benefits of automated dispensing cabinets include that drugs are locked up in patient-care units, and controlled substances and other drugs are electronically tracked.

NIH, MBP.GOV, EHS.GOV, AHRQ.GOV, ASHP, SAM.GOV, MDPI, US FDA.