Figures on costs and return on investment vary depending on supplier and machine, but a number of entry-level robots are available at around £60,000. The standard Rowa Smart solution is available from £57,000, including project management, installation and training.

A pharmacy with limited groundfloor space installed the EvoTec robot from Clover51 on its second floor, with a series of chutes and slides coming down through the ceiling to the shop front and dispensary. Dispensed items increased by 20 per cent, with no need to increase dispensary staff, and the robot was considered to have paid for itself within two years.

Installation of a Rowa Vmax Duplo at a hub for a group of seven branches saw prescription costs lowered by 70 per cent, stock holdings halved, and more than £200,000 savings in the first year. Data also suggests that with consistent handling, costs can be reduced by two-fifths per pack.