[Edaily Reporter Na Eun-kyung] #Raphas announced on the 17th that it has been selected as a recipient of funding for the “Autonomous Factory” project under the Smart Manufacturing Innovation Support Program promoted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and has signed a cooperation agreement.

An autonomous factory is a project to advance smart factories by utilizing digital technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI), data analysis, and digital twins—to automate production processes and enhance operational efficiency.

The total project budget for this initiative is 1.2 billion won. Raphas plans to establish an AI- and digital twin-based autonomous microneedle manufacturing system at its Cheonan plant.

Key tasks include: △ logistics automation using automated equipment and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs); △ establishing an AI-based quality prediction and equipment optimization system; and △ building a digital twin platform capable of real-time production monitoring and remote control.

Microneedles are a platform technology in the form of microscopic needles used to deliver drugs to the skin, making consistent quality control and standardization of the manufacturing process critical. Through this project, the company plans to establish a production data-driven process management system and improve manufacturing efficiency.

It also intends to minimize worker intervention and strengthen quality control capabilities by increasing the level of automation. Based on this, the company plans to expand its production capacity in the fields of specialty pharmaceuticals and vaccines in the future.

A Raphas official stated, “The construction of this autonomous factory goes beyond simply reducing production costs; it is a strategic investment aimed at proactively meeting the strict aseptic manufacturing standards required by global pharmaceutical companies through the use of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and AI.” The official added, “Based on our secured manufacturing competitiveness, we will deliver tangible results in our contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) business for vaccines and specialty pharmaceuticals.”