Steriline Launches AI Tools for Sterile Fill-Finish Lines
Editor’s Take: AI tools are transforming the pharma industry with applications in everything from drug formulation to workflow automation and more.
Steriline, a manufacturer of complete lines for the sterile filling of injectable and ophthalmic products for pharmaceutical companies worldwide, is enhancing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in its solutions by introducing two intelligent technologies that work in synergy: OmniAI Vision and OptiLAIN.
OmniAI Vision is dedicated to image analysis, while OptiLAIN focuses on continuous process monitoring and predictive maintenance.
“Steriline has always been committed to creating and implementing smarter production solutions which, in the long term, will become increasingly autonomous,” says Ilaria Fumagalli, CEO of Steriline. “It is within this context that our investment in artificial intelligence over recent years fits, enabling us, amongst other things, to further reduce operator involvement in accordance with the guidelines of Annex 1 and Annex 22.”
About the New AI Technologies
According to Steriline, the AI incorporated into OmniAI Vision represents a new way of processing information from cameras: using a limited number of cameras, installed in optimal positions and away from critical areas of the process, it captures images which are then processed in real time by artificial intelligence algorithms capable of simultaneously extracting and processing multiple pieces of information.
“This approach makes it possible to reduce the number of devices installed inside the isolator or any other containment system, improve laminar flow, simplify cleaning operations and make the machine even more accessible for maintenance work,” explains Alessandro Caprioli, Product Development Director, Steriline. “This flexible monitoring method also represents the first step towards creating an increasingly autonomous system.”
Meanwhile, the OptiLAIN platform is dedicated to continuous system status monitoring and predictive maintenance.
The two technologies complement each other and work in synergy: OmniAI Vision monitors the process from the outside, using cameras, while OptiLAIN monitors it from the inside, via all the other sensors.
“The integration of intelligent image analysis and performance monitoring provides a comprehensive view of the production process: on the one hand, product quality and the correct execution of operations; on the other, the machine’s behavior and changes in its efficiency,” says Paolo Pozzi, Chief Service Officer at Steriline.
According to the company, OmniAI Vision and OptiLAIN represent two complementary components of a broader strategy for the digitalization of fill-finish lines, in which images, data and algorithms work together to improve process control, support regulatory compliance and reduce operational risk.
