Swisslog Healthcare unveils compact ‘Motif’ tabletop packager to enhance pharmacy automation

SWITZERLAND – Swisslog Healthcare has expanded its pharmacy automation portfolio with the launch of Motif, a compact tabletop strip packager designed to support hospital and retail pharmacies managing unit-dose medication packaging.

Developed to integrate into existing pharmacy environments without structural modifications, Motif addresses space constraints increasingly faced by healthcare facilities as automation adoption accelerates.

The system features LED-lighted cells to guide medication placement and configurable print layouts that allow pharmacies to customize patient and drug information directly onto packaging.

Swisslog Healthcare said the device incorporates built-in operational controls aimed at reducing human error and maintaining consistent packaging quality.

Its components are engineered for straightforward cleaning and maintenance, supporting hygiene and safety standards in unit-dose preparation.

“The future of pharmacy requires solutions that can evolve with changing industry demands while maximizing limited space and resources,” said Connie Vigil, pharmacy automation product manager at Swisslog Healthcare.

“Motif represents our vision for pharmacy automation that adapts to these future needs, offering flexibility and precision in a compact footprint while freeing up valuable staff time for expanded clinical roles without compromising medication safety standards.”

Motif can operate as a standalone system or integrate with Swisslog’s broader automation ecosystem, including AutoPack and ezCUT.

The modularity is designed to help pharmacies manage overflow volumes, urgent prescriptions and specialized medications without interrupting high-capacity central packaging workflows.

Kevin Balla, clinical sales and channel development director at Swisslog Healthcare, said even facilities with established large-scale systems could benefit from the addition.

“It’s perfect for handling overflow, urgent prescriptions, or specialized medications without disrupting existing processes. The user-friendly interface requires minimal training, allowing staff to become proficient quickly and maintain productivity.”

The launch comes amid sustained investment in pharmacy automation globally, driven by labour shortages, medication error reduction initiatives and tighter regulatory requirements around traceability and patient safety.

According to industry estimates, the global pharmacy automation market is projected to grow steadily through the decade as hospitals shift toward decentralized and hybrid packaging models.

Motif was showcased to pharmacy professionals at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) conference in December 2025, underscoring Swisslog Healthcare’s strategy to expand its footprint in North America and Europe.

As healthcare providers seek to balance operational efficiency with clinical care expansion, compact, scalable packaging solutions such as Motif are expected to play a growing role in modern pharmacy workflows.

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