Design and development of automated dispensing machine as medical device-based application: A review

An automatic system in equipment can be recognized as a systematic control system to minimize human tasks or automatically complete repetitive tasks without human involvement. This review paper focused on the dispensing machines in the medical field particularly the design development of the automated dispensing machines which can be considered as one of the important technologies in pharmacy. This paper also briefly describes the main criteria for fabricating the dispensing machine. Next, different fabrication methods of the dispensing machine such as simple fabrication and 3D printing as well as the materials used in 3D printing are also thoroughly discussed. The last section consisted of the evaluation methods to justify the developed devices by comparing the performance of fabricated products and also through surveys and feedback from patients and medical staff. Based on the performance evaluation of automated dispensing machines as reported in the literature, it can be concluded that the implementation of an automated dispensing machine is necessary for the high-quality guarantee of community healthcare.