Human-Centered automation for a safer, smarter pharmaceutical future

For more than 180 years, B. Braun has been committed to protecting human health through innovation. But when its Center of Excellence for Operation Room Supply (CoEORS) in Rubí needed to dramatically increase production capacity for surgical sutures, the team faced a challenge where traditional automation simply wasn’t enough.
Manual loading processes had become a bottleneck — slowing down output, creating fatigue, and increasing the risk of mix-ups in a highly regulated pharmaceutical environment. At the same time, employees were understandably concerned about safety and the impact of new automation on their daily work.

The impact went far beyond efficiency gains.

• 20% increase in productivity thanks to precise, consistent robot handling.
• Zero mix‑up errors, a major breakthrough in pharmaceutical packaging reliability.
• Faster deployment, reducing downtime compared to typical pharma automation projects.
• A happier, more confident workforce — employees reported less stress, fewer repetitive tasks, and greater focus on meaningful quality oversight.
• No jobs lost — instead, roles evolved toward higher‑value, safer, more engaging work.

What began as a high‑pressure capacity challenge became a powerful example of how thoughtful automation enhances human capabilities rather than replacing them. Operators quickly went from initial apprehension to genuine enthusiasm as they experienced improved ergonomics, safer conditions, and simplified workflows.

B. Braun’s success demonstrates a new era of collaborative manufacturing: one where precision robotics and human expertise reinforce each other to deliver better performance, higher safety standards, and greater employee satisfaction.

This is what happens when innovation puts people at the center.