Skip To The Main Content
2023-RA-1988x680

2023 PDA Robotics and Automation Conference

May 03 - May 04, 2023
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

A Roadmap to Digitalization Designed for Drug Manufacturing

  • Conference
  • Europe
Program Highlights

Look forward to the conference's highlight speaker Roberto Conocchia, EMA, Alejandro Rivera Rojas, UNIDO and Krishnakali Ghosh, US FDA.

The conference will take place at the Holiday Inn Amsterdam - Arena Towers!

Overview

Dear Colleague,

We are looking forward to welcoming you to the 2023 PDA Robotics and Automation Conference taking place on 03 - 04 May 2023 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands!

The criticality of the operations in drug manufacturing is explained by the specific dependency that patients require on the quality, safety, and efficiency of medicines. Recipes, processes, and tasks linked to the drug life cycle usually contain multiple manual actions led by operators that repeat similar tasks throughout the day, having differences depending on the product or the production phase. Robotization and automation in Pharma are intended to minimize the repetitive tasks performed by operators, including all those actions requiring human cognition in order to avoid undesired effects in the product. Complexity and variability are two aspects of the reality of drug manufacturing. Nothing is static, nothing is simple. When humans need to apply systematic actions in production, they must interact with equipment and material consequently to the specific task they are developing.

In Pharma, everything is connected and linked with the product and process, the robotization and automation transformation are the only solution to ensure full connectivity along the manufacturing chain and to have the right information at the right time. Understanding digital transformation as the mechanism that transforms manual actions into electronic data becomes essential for robotics and automation implementation and at the same time, the only way to generate value along the full process is to bring consistently the expected drug to patients under a performance configuration for the industry.

To make evolution possible, a change of mindset is needed. Working on the paper is not an option when a process must be optimized. Assigning repetitive tasks to operators when they could be performed by machines and computers in a more efficient and secure way is not the way to go. Delegating tasks to humans which can be better carried out by systems is not the expected strategy. Regardless of the economic margins, today we face problems of a global nature. Efficient processes, sustainable sites, distributed and subcontracted manufacturing, logistical complexity, and global distributors are examples of a configuration subjected to a complex network of parameters that is difficult to govern without digital help. Today it is necessary for companies to base their processes on the added value they provide from the biopharmaceutical knowledge of their processes and invest in those tasks related to this knowledge. 

The 3rd edition of the 2023 PDA Robotics and Automation Conference is designed to catalyze the transition for those biopharma organizations that are planning to be more competitive and efficient and to crystalize those drug manufacturing companies which are already implementing robotization and automatization systems with one main goal: improve the lives of patients.

Stay tuned!

Sincerely,

The Chairs
Dieter Bachmann, Janssen Johnson & Johnson
Toni Manzano, Aizon

SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM PLANNING COMMITTEE:

  • Dieter Bachmann, Johnson & Johnson 
  • Toni Manzano, Aizon 
  • Sesethu Dowiasch, Rockwell Automation
  • Yvonne Duckworth, CRB Group
  • Bernhard Gerl, Körber
  • Florian W. Huber, TissUse
  • David Hubmayr, Takeda
  • Timothy Hsu, AFDO/RAPS Healthcare Products Collaborative 
  • Marilyn Romieux, Merck
  • Philipp Schmid, CSEM
  • Josh Eaton, PDA
  • Falk Klar, PDA Europe
  • Sabine Hartmann, Manager Programs & Events, PDA Europe

Agenda

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Posters
  • Wednesday 03 May 2023

    09:00

    Welcome and Introduction
    Falk Klar, PDA Europe
    Dieter Bachmann, Janssen Johnson & Johnson
    Toni Manzano, Aizon

    Introducing the NEW Interest Group

    09:25 - 11:05 I Opening Plenary: Regulatory Guidelines for Drug Manufacturing
    Moderator: Dieter Bachmann, Johnson & Johnson

    Pharmaceutical industry, and sterile injectables, is seeing tremendous changes. The development of different new classes of drugs and new forms of therapies as well as an increased demand for automation and digitalization leads to new innovative technologies. At the same time the regulatory framework is under review and changing significantly. The latest in a row of many updates comes with the new EU GMP Annex 1, which on one hand provides opportunity for new technologies to be established and at same time sets the stage for the next decade on regulatory expectations. This session will take a deeper look in these expectations and especially how this will translate for robotics, automation, and AI applications. Case studies will offer an opportunity to see advantageous integration into Contamination Control Strategy.

    09:25 I EMA Approach to Support the Translation of Innovative Technologies
    Roberto Conocchia, EMA

    09:55 I Robotic and Automation: The Enabler for Higher Quality and Annex 1 CCS Compliance
    Richard Denk, SKAN
    Julian Petersen, Groninger

    10:20 I Advances in Robotics and Open Interoperability Accelerates Innovation in Biopharm Manufacturing
    Dr. Patrick Courtney, SiLa

    10:45 I Q&A, Discussion

    11:15 - 11:45 | Coffee Break, Poster Session & Exhibition

    11:45 - 13:10 I Session 1: Digitalization in Manufacturing
    Moderator: Marilyn Romieux, Merck

    Digitalization in manufacturing spans many applications and can be implemented at many different levels. We will review how the holistic digitalization of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) through fully integrated PLM digital tools allows to bring together the many processes, systems, organizations, users, and data involved in the lifecycle of a product, from its initial specifications to its disposal. We will then look at a specific use-case for digitalization in pharmaceutical manufacturing: the serialization of primary containers using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology as an enabler for automation and improvement of several operations in Fill/Finish, allowing to limit human intervention, reduce risk and improve overall operational efficiency. Join us and take part in a discussion with our consultant and supplier speakers on the benefits of implementing digitalization solutions in manufacturing processes.

    11:45 I Interactive Questionnaire

    11:50 I Data Visibility and Traceability Throughout a Product Lifecycle
    Adam Keyes, Kalypso - remote presentation - 

    12:15 I Unit Level Syringe Identification as a Foundation for Industry 4.0 in the Fill/Finish and Beyond
    Hervé Soukiassian, BD

    12:40 I Q&A, Discussion

    13:10 - 14:25 | Lunch Break, Poster Session & Exhibition

    13:55 - 14:25 | Guided Poster Walk - Engage with our Poster Presenters in our Exhibition Hall

    14:25 - 15:55 I Session 2: Digital Twins
    Moderator: Timothy Hsu, AFDO/RAPS Healthcare Products Collaborative 

    This session contains 2 approaches that are pushing forward to take advantage of blending together advanced data analytics, automation, and best practices to create (and use) digital/virtual twins. We will examine how the application of digital twins have broad impact in device modelling and engineering for development and product quality as well as how it has been used as a solution for pre-clinical testing. Our session will take you on a deep dive in methodology, advantages, best practices, and lessons learned in bringing these technologies and methodologies to multiple aspects of our industry.

    14:25 I Interactive Questionnaire

    14:35 I Data-Driven Process Optimization and Digital Twins: Harnessing Data from a Complex System to Drive Quality and Efficiency Gains
    Anders Meister, cim.as
    Roger de Reus, Novo Nordisk

    15:00 I Towards a Digital Twin in Preclinical Trials - How Automation and Continuous Data Acquisition Enables AI-supported in Silico Models
    Florian W. Huber, TissUse

    15:25 I Q&A, Discussion

    15:55 - 16:25 | Coffee Break, Poster Session & Exhibition

    16:25 - 17:45 I Session 3: Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
    Moderator: Sesethu Dowiasch, Rockwell Automation

    This session unpacks real-life use cases of how Extended Reality is applied within Global Manufacturing and Supply Chain. The presenters will go through the pain points that lead to the use cases, enabling technologies and the selection process for a vendor and technology provider. Additionally, some insights will be shared on the benefits of the of the solution, lessons learnt through the project lifecycle as well as possible roadmaps for the future regarding further automation and standardization of training and assessment.

    16:25 I How is Takeda Exploiting the Benefits of Extended Reality in Global Manufacturing and Supply Chain?
    Enxhi Gjini, Takeda

    16:50 I Error Coverage and Error Detection Accuracy as Key Drivers for Automated Training in Virtual Reality
    Sebastian Scheler, Innerspace

    17:15 I Q&A, Discussion

    17:45 | End of Conference Day 1 and Networking Event

  • Thursday, 04 May 2023

    09:00 - 10:25 I Session 4: Sustainability
    Moderator: Yvonne Duckworth, CRB Group

    The session on Sustainability will be kicked off by UNIDO, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) which is a specialized agency of the United Nations that assists countries in economic and industrial development. This presentation provides an overview of UNIDO´s Health Industry Framework including essential medicines, vaccines, medical equipment, and diagnostics, followed by how they will break down the way innovation & technologies can promote sustainable growth. The next presentation will focus on the impact of considering the full life cycle of a product for a holistically sustainable solution for products and businesses, how this is currently being enabled, and how others can do the same.

    09:00 I Advancing Sustainability in Health Industry: UNIDO Approaches and Experiences 
    Alejandro Rivera-Rojas, UNIDO

    09:30 I Environmentally Conscious Design 
    Bernhard Gerl, Körber

    09:55 I Q&A, Discussion

    10:25 - 10:55 | Coffee Break, Poster Session & Exhibition

    10:55 - 12:20 I Session 5: Artificial Intelligence
    Moderator: David Hubmayr, Takeda

    The session on Artificial Intelligence is kicked off by hearing about opportunities for applied modeling to maximize use of data and drive explicit knowledge generation and sharing as well as lowering the barrier to use models with fit for purpose tools as part of end-to-end Model Factory. Following an Outline and Art of the Possible as well as a discussion on typical challenges companies face when contemplating Technology-enabled Post Market Quality Transformations will be presented. Pragmatic solutions and illustrative case studies, enabled by advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) technologies, with tangible benefits, will be shared.

    10:55 I Interactive Questionnaire

    11:00 I Driving a Culture of Explicit Knowledge Generation in BioTherapeutics Development - One Byte at a Time
    Steve Mehrman, Janssen

    11:25 I A Pragmatic Approach to AI-Enabled Complaints Transformation
    Salil Thakar, Pricewaterhouse Coopers

    11:50 I Q&A, Discussion

    12:20 - 13:20 | Coffee Break, Poster Session & Exhibition

    13:20 - 16:45 I Closing Plenary: Digital Transformation Journey in GMP Environment
    Moderator: Toni Manzano, Aizon

    Digitization has made it possible to drive automation and robotics towards the concept of smart manufacturing. It thus becomes the value-added mechanism throughout the entire manufacturing process to consistently deliver the expected drug to patients with the industry's current performance settings. This session will delve into some regulatory aspects around the role of digitization in GMP contexts.

    13:20 I Interactive Questionnaire

    13:30 I Process Validation: Revised PDA Technical Report 60 and Links with Artificial Intelligence Applications
    Mauro Giusti, Eli Lilly

    13:55 I Accelerating Digital Transformation Securely by Ensuring Data Integrity
    Sesethu Dowiasch, Rockwell Automation

    14:20 - 14:50 | Coffee Break, Poster Session & Exhibition
    14:50 - 14:55 | Passport Raffle 

    14:55 I Digital Transformation and Path to Regulatory Compliance
    Krishna Ghosh, US FDA - remote presentation - 

    15:25 I Achieving Data Integrity and Governance Amidst Pharma's Digital Revolution
    Scott Deckebach, Lachman Consultant Services, Inc. 

    15:50 I Q&A, Final Panel Discussion

    • Krishnakali Ghosh, US FDA
    • Mauro Giusti, Eli Lilly
    • Scott Deckebach, Lachman Consultant Services
    • Salil Thakar, Pricewaterhouse Coopers
    • Sebastian Scheler, Innerspace
    • Yvonne Duckworth, CRB Group

    16:30 I Chairs Conference Summary
    Dieter Bachmann, Johnson & Johnson
    Toni Manzano, Aizon

    16:40 I Closing Remarks & Farewell
    Falk Klar, PDA Europe

    16:45 End of Conference

    Agenda is subject to change without notice.

  • n

    The following posters will be presented during the Guided Poster Walk on Day 1 at 13:55h and during each break in the Exhibit Hall:

    Automation: Green Booster for Packaging Process
    Henning Föste, Körber Pharma

    Implementation of a Digital Validation Solution for End-User Instruments Qualification
    Thierry Muller,
    Merck

    LANEXO - Automate where you can, Mistake Proof where you can´t
    Nathan Payne, Merck

    ParticleID – Machine Learning Powered Particle Analysis  
    Philipp Schmid,
     CSEM

    A Microfluidic-Based Lid for Automated Multi-Well Medium Exchange
    Philipp Schmid, CSEM

    Automated CPV - Empowering Small Data With Multivariate Statistical Controls
    Maria Ana B. Batalha,
    ValGenesis


Highlighted Speakers

Roberto Conocchia
Roberto Conocchia
EMA
Sesethu Dowiasch
Sesethu Dowiasch
Rockwell Automation
Bernhard Gerl
Bernhard Gerl
Körber Pharma
Krishnakali Ghosh
Krishnakali Ghosh
U.S. FDA
Mauro Giusti
Mauro Giusti
Eli Lilly and Company
Florian W. Huber
Florian W. Huber
TissUse
Alejandro  Rivera Rojas
Alejandro Rivera Rojas
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Sebastian Scheler
Sebastian Scheler
Innerspace GmbH

Additional Information

  • Who Should Attend
    Pharma Companies
    • Biopharmaceutical Companies
    • Start-ups/Emerging Companies
    Suppliers/Vendors
    • Raw Materials
    • Consumables
    • Equipment
    Governmental Health Authorities
    • National/Local Authorities
    • European Authorities
    • International Authorities
    Service Providers
    • CDMOs
    • Contract Test Laboratories
    • Logistic Companies
    Consultancy
    • Freelancer
    • Consulting Firms
    Academia
    • Universities
    • Academic Research Institutes

Got a Question? We have answers

Contact Us

Travel

PLEASE READ  PDA is not affiliated or contracted with any outside hotel contracting company. If someone other than PDA or the PDA chosen hotel contacts you suggesting that they represent any PDA event, they do not. It is PDA's recommendation that you book your hotel directly through the official PDA chosen hotel that is listed on our web site.

Holiday Inn Amsterdam - Arena Towers

Hoogoorddreef 66b
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Make a Reservation

Holiday Inn Express: Amsterdam - Arena Towers
Hoogoorddreef 66b
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Make a Reservation
  • Accommodations

    PDA recommends the reservation at the following hotel

    Holiday Inn Amsterdam - Arena Towers
    Hoogoorddreef 66b
    1101 BE Amsterdam-Zuidoost
    Netherlands
    Tel: +31-20-7979198

    Book your room at the PDA Group Rate via the above-mentioned reservation button.

    Holiday Inn Express: Amsterdam - Arena Towers
    Hoogoorddreef 66b
    1101 BE Amsterdam-Zuidoost
    Netherlands 
    Tel: +31-20-7979193

    PDA Europe has reserved a limited number of rooms by 15 March 2023.

  • Amenities

    Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam Arena Towers are located in the bustling Amsterdam Southeast.

How to Get Here

By Air

You will get to the hotel by car within 20 minutes from Airport Schiphol.

By Car

We offer 440 parking areas at the hotel. Costs for parking is € 25,00 per night, or € 3,00 per hour (max € 25,00 per night). Drive to the barrier, where you can take your ticket and drive onto the parking lot (not covered). Navigation: Haaksbergweg 3.

Other Options

It takes around 25 minutes to get from Amsterdam Centraal to the hotel.

Directions

Registration Fees

Early Registration
Registration Type Price by 05 March
Member €1.845
Non-member €2.145
Govern./Health Authority/Academic €870
Early Career Professional (Member) €870




Regular Registration
Registration Type After 05 March
Member €2.045
Non-member €2.345
Govern./Health Authority/Academic €970
Early Career Professional (Member) €970




Group Registration Discount: Register 3 people from the same organization as a group (at the same time) for the event and receive the 4th registration free. Other discounts cannot be applied.

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS: PDA will send you a confirmation letter within one week of payment being received. You must have this confirmation letter to be considered enrolled in a PDA event. If you have submitted a purchase order or requested an invoice, please be advised that a credit card guarantee is needed. PDA reserves the right to modify the material or speakers/trainers without notice or to cancel an event. If an event is cancelled, registrants will be notified by PDA immediately and will receive a credit (registration fee paid). PDA will not be responsible for any costs incurred by registrants due to cancellation. Please note that the attendee list is shared with attendees, trainers, and exhibitors and may be used to follow up on specific areas of interest after the event. Video, photo, and audio recordings are prohibited at all PDA events.

CANCELLATION: If a cancellation request is received 30 days before the event, a credit (registration fee paid minus a 200.00 USD/EUR processing fee) will be given. No credits will be given for cancellation requests received less than 30 days before the event. Cancellation requests must be emailed to [email protected].

Sponsors

Become a Sponsor

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Learn about opportunities and benefits.

Request Information

Featured Exhibitors

Attendee List Email Scam

Unfortunately, emails are circulating that offer to sell attendee lists for many of PDA’s conferences and events. These emails are sent by scammers.

Note: PDA does not sell its exhibitor or attendee lists, and no third-party is authorized to distribute or sell any lists related to our events. Statements claiming to offer our attendee lists are fraudulent. If you receive emails that propose to sell PDA conference attendee lists, do not engage with the sender and delete the message immediately.

Become an Exhibitor

Interested in becoming an exhibitor? Learn about opportunities and benefits.

Request Information

Media Partners

Contact

Program Inquiries
Exhibition Inquiries
Training Course Inquiries

Tel: +1 (301) 656-5900
[email protected]

Tel: +49 (0) 30 43 655 08-10
[email protected]

Registration Customer Care

Tel: +1 (301) 656-5900 ext. 115
[email protected]

PDA Members Save Substantially