Rassegna dell'imballaggio n.3 - Aprile 2021

Page 28

FOCUS Navigating the pandemic

using Augmented Reality to aid in pharmaceutical manufacturing Augmented Reality has seen a variety of applications in healthcare & the pharmaceutical industry. The IMA group has efforts centered on smart services by deploying an infrastructure of AR glasses and a connected network for better maintenance and inspection.

A

Applications

ugmented Reality (AR) is an interactive digital service through which information can be overlaid on objects and live data collected from the real world. It provides the user with additional information about the system through an interface that enhances their experience. This information can be accessed through smartphones, tablets & computers or more interactive systems such as a heads-up display or eyeglasses. There are common misconceptions on the differences between Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). While, AR builds on real-life environments by adding elements that enhance the user experience, VR creates a completely simulated environment that closes out any response from the physical word. Various AR glasses are available from worldwide manufactures such as Realwear and Vuzix today. These are targeted for use in specific applications such as maintenance & service, remote support and troubleshooting in production environments. A number of systems are interconnected in manufacturing industries such as automotive & pharmaceuticals around the world, and this interconnectivity is valuable for maintaining production efficiency. This has also increased the level of complexity involved in operating a particular production line. In addition, as projects evolve over time, a number of resources and subject matter expertise needs to be coordinated. The location of experts that may assist on-site users may be different and their availability may be limited. This is where Augmented Reality comes in. IMA Life has identified use of AR for the pharmaceutical manufacturing environment including freeze dryers. A freeze dryer is a complex interconnected system, where multiple equipment such as compressors, vacuum pumps and heat transfer assemblies are working together. The availability of specialists for servicing such complex production equipment is always limited. In particular, during the pandemic, when travel schedules were changing on a daily basis, availability of skilled technicians is few and far between. Additionally, there may be several subject matter experts that are required to troubleshoot a certain problem including engineers, electricians and service managers. Having a dedicated platform to coordinate and remotely assist with all such requests is of great interest.

A major challenge that everyone around the world is facing is the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to numerous travel and safety precautions, many companies including major pharmaceutical customers of IMA Life were faced with adapting to a new way of engaging customers. An accelerated path was adopted to integrate the use of Augmented Reality at IMA Life. From remote service assistance to obtaining guidance for executing test procedures, the applications for augmented reality are varied. IMA pivoted from this opportunity to roll out remote assistance services and field service activities from their manufacturing facility in Buffalo, NY using AR glasses. IMA Life evaluated multiple technologies and software platforms offering the AR experience.

Case study: tech-transfer support This case study discusses the technology transfer support of a freeze drying process by execution of vial heat transfer coefficient (Kv) as requested by a Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO). This was the first instance of IMA employing AR glasses during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in USA. Under normal circumstances this activity would have been executed via a 1 week on-site support at the client’s facility. On its part, the client wanted to take advantage of the equipment and lyophilization process expertise available at IMA Life for an upcoming scale up involving an expensive protein based drug. Once the client expressed interest in the AR glasses technology offered by IMA, the AR hardware was initialized by IMA by installation of the recommended Android Package (APK). A SOP was created after performing functional testing of the AR system at Tonawanda, NY and it was shipped to client along with the AR hardware. Upon receipt of the hardware and SOP at the client site, the AR glasses were setup for the local network with support from an IMA development Scientist. The setup of the hardware took less than an

26 Rassegna dell’Imballaggio | n. 3 | Aprile 2021


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Rassegna dell'imballaggio n.3 - Aprile 2021 by Innovative Press srl - Issuu