Professor Wallhäußer Award - Second Place
The Second Place of the Professor Wallhäußer Award for Innovations in GMP and Pharmaceutical Technology 2025 went to WILCO for their project "Automated visual inspection for small scale production". Read the details below:
EVO CAX: When small batches become a challenge: How to keep visual inspection efficient
As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, the need for advanced, reliable, and efficient inspection systems becomes more pressing. High-mix/low-volume production environments, particularly in clinical and small-scale manufacturing, present unique challenges. To address these demands, WILCO AG has developed the EVO CAX – a breakthrough in automated visual inspection.
A Compact Powerhouse for Flexible Inspection
The EVO CAX is purpose-built to meet the needs of modern pharmaceutical manufacturers who face increasing variability in product types and smaller batch sizes. Its compact design with a very small footprint, allows for seamless integration into existing production lines, making it ideal for both clinical environments and facilities constrained by space. The ability to handle both liquid and lyophilized vials (2R to 30R) at speeds of up to 20 vials per minute ensures consistent throughput without compromising inspection quality.
What sets the EVO CAX apart is its quick format change capability. Utilizing the WILCO OptiXTM static optical path, the EVO CAX automatically adapts to different vial formats without the need for manual adjustments of the camera setup. This feature significantly reduces downtime and maximizes productivity, a crucial advantage when dealing with variable batch sizes and diverse product types.
Human-Inspired and AI-Driven Innovation
The EVO CAX incorporates a human-inspired inspection approach, featuring gentle mechanical handling to minimize stress on sensitive pharmaceutical products. The integrated lighting system reduces energy exposure, preserving vial integrity while maintaining high inspection accuracy. Additionally, the system is equipped with color and turbidity measurement to provide comprehensive quality assurance, all while minimizing the need for complex product handling.
A key innovation of the EVO CAX is its AI-supported recipe development, enabling quick adaptation to new products. This is particularly beneficial in clinical production settings, where rapid batch changes are common. The system also includes intuitive operator assistance for tasks like line clearance, ensuring efficient and error-free operation.
Redefining Quality Assurance
WILCO AG’s EVO CAX redefines visual inspection in the pharmaceutical sector, offering a scalable, flexible, and efficient solution i.e. for clinical trials, eject re-inspection and automated media fill inspection. By automating inspection tasks traditionally done manually, it ensures reproducibility, minimizes human error, and supports consistent product quality. Whether in clinical trials or full-scale production, EVO CAX empowers manufacturers to meet stringent quality standards without sacrificing efficiency.
For those looking to optimize their inspection processes, the EVO CAX represents the future of automated quality assurance. Discover how it can transform your production line by visiting www.wilco.com/evo.
WILCO AG
Rigackerstrasse 11
5610 Wohlen
Switzerland
T: +41 56 618 4343
E: info@wilco.com