From CNBC: 2025-05-11 08:00:00

Walgreens is ramping up automation with robotic micro-fulfillment centers to streamline prescription fills, aiming to free up staff for patient care. The company plans to expand to over 5,000 stores by year-end, with centers currently handling 40% of prescription volume and generating $500 million in savings. The move comes as Walgreens prepares to go private in a $10 billion deal with Sycamore Partners.

Robotic arms at Walgreens micro-fulfillment centers automate prescription filling processes, using conveyor belts, barcode scanners, and pharmacist oversight for accuracy. The system efficiently dispenses medications for maintenance and refill prescriptions, increasing pharmacy efficiency and patient safety. Improvements include new roles, smaller prescription vials, and ongoing training to enhance the process and address feedback from stores and patients. Walgreens plans to increase prescription shipments per order and lower costs with automated micro-fulfillment centers. The company reported a 13% reduction in prescription fulfillment costs and a 126% increase in volume, aiming for 180 million prescriptions annually. New tools provide real-time tracking of prescriptions in the fulfillment process.

Despite progress, Walgreens aims to improve micro-fulfillment centers by potentially shipping prescriptions directly to patients’ homes. Gates acknowledges there is more work to be done with the centers, such as addressing reported issues like partial prescription fills and delays in medication delivery. The company is focused on enhancing customer service and efficiency.

Automated micro-fulfillment centers have significantly reduced prescription fulfillment tasks for pharmacy staff like Brian Gange, allowing more time for face-to-face interactions with customers. Gange shared a story of saving a patient’s life by taking a quick blood pressure test, emphasizing the importance of personalized care. Centralized services help staff provide better care and attention to patients.



Read more at CNBC: Walgreens doubles down on robots to fill prescriptions amid turnaround