Walgreens is expanding its use of robotic micro fulfillment centers to handle prescription volume as part of a renewed push to streamline pharmacy operations and address staffing challenges, CNBC reported May 11.
The company told the news outlet it plans to have its 11 automated facilities serve more than 5,000 stores by the end of 2025, up from 4,800 in February.
The centers, first introduced in 2021, use robots and conveyor systems to fill maintenance prescriptions for chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. However, Walgreens had paused the expansion in 2023 to address performance issues and gather feedback from its stores.
The new expansion is aimed at reducing routine tasks for in-store pharmacy staff to free them up for more clinical work like vaccinations and health screenings, the report said.
Walgreens said the facilities have cut prescription fulfillment costs by nearly 13% and have helped reduce excess inventory. The move comes as the company prepares to go private in a $10 billion deal with Sycamore Partners following declining margins, store closures and rising competition.
