China deploys first AI robot pharmacist in Beijing

The robot, named Galbot G1, is designed to serve as a sales assistant in pharmacies

China deploys
China deploys

BEIJING: In a major technological breakthrough in healthcare retail, China has introduced its first AI-powered robot pharmacist in the Haidian District of Beijing.

The robot, named Galbot G1, has been developed by Beijing Galbot Co. Ltd and is designed to serve as a sales assistant in pharmacies, provided that the operating company holds a valid pharmaceutical distribution permit.

Equipped with advanced automation capabilities, the robot can identify medicines placed on shelves, retrieve them and package them efficiently. It is also capable of handling different types of products, including fragile and irregularly shaped packages.

According to the developers, the system demonstrates a 99.5 percent success rate in grasping and handling medicines, ensuring high levels of accuracy and efficiency in pharmacy operations.

The AI-powered robot is optimized for busy retail environments and can streamline the sale of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and packaged wellness products. It automates tasks such as inventory auditing, restocking, product picking and packaging, helping pharmacies improve operational speed and precision.

The robot pharmacist is also equipped with AI visual recognition and traceability code scanning technology, enabling it to monitor medicine shelf life and prevent expired drugs from being sold.

Local regulators say the deployment reflects the growing integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare services and highlights the expansion of smart service models in community pharmacies across China.