CVS Pharmacy Invests in Robotics for Patient Medication

CVS Pharmacy operates distribution centres across the US that rely on automated systems to manage inventory. The Hainesport, New Jersey facility uses hundreds of robots to sort more than 10,000 products through an automated storage and retrieval system.

The robots are supplied by three technology partners: AutoStore, Bastian Solutions and Tompkins Robotics. CVS was the first retailer to deploy a dual robotic automation system across its distribution network.

Technology components in operation

According to Tompkins Robotics, AutoStore manages the storage function at CVS Pharmacy distribution centres.

The system batch picks goods using the Tompkins Robotics tSort platform and moves them from employee-controlled induction stations to robot trays.

Bastian Solutions connects its Exacta software to AutoStore so products can transfer from AutoStore to Tompkins Robotics for sorting and inventory tracking. This integration could streamline the workflow between the three systems.

Tompkins Robotics developed the tSort system, which deploys more than 420 robots to sort products autonomously and place them in totes designated for specific CVS locations.

The tSort system integrates with other equipment and requires minimal operator maintenance after brief training.

Operators do not need a dedicated maintenance team. A malfunctioning robot can be reconfigured in minutes.

According to Tompkins Robotics, the company has deployed more than 30,000 tSort systems globally across more than 300 installations.

Distribution centre performance metrics

CVS operates facilities in both Hainesport and Lumberton, New Jersey, using all three automation technologies. According to CVS, the Lumberton centre has recorded the following outcomes since implementation:

• More than 99.9% pick accuracy for order fulfilment
• 40% lower operational costs compared to other CVS distribution centres
• Modular system reconfigurable in minutes with no downtime
• Reduced physical strain and safer working conditions for employees.

The Lumberton facility increased daily output from 150,000 to more than 400,000 products. This allows CVS to process 1.9m units per week.

CVS plans to add 750 robots at the 160,000 square foot centre, which could match the capacity of a 1m square foot warehouse.

Jamie Tatum, Lead Director, Supply Chain Strategy at CVS, says: "The combined implementation of Tompkins Robotics' tSort system with AutoStore has transformed the CVS Lumberton Distribution Center, delivering unmatched efficiency, accuracy, and scalability while enhancing employee satisfaction."

"We've been breaking records almost every week with the amount of volume that we're able to push through that building," Jamie adds.

Partnership with Google Cloud

In March 2025, CVS Pharmacy partnered with Google Cloud to develop Health100, a consumer platform that uses agentic AI to provide personalised care, faster access to quality care and cost transparency.

The platform aims to provide an integrated experience for customers and promote better health outcomes. Health100 uses Google Cloud storage and AI technologies including Gemini models, Cloud Healthcare API and BigQuery.

Tilak Mandadi, Executive VP, Ventures and Chief Experience and Technology Officer at CVS Health, says: "Consumer engagement in their own health and care is the holy grail that will drive trust and much better health outcomes.

"We are putting the consumer at the centre to enable their healthcare partners to seamlessly connect with them as part of a fully integrated experience. Google Cloud and AI technologies are core to this platform, which is grounded in responsible AI principles," Tilak adds.