How Robotics are Powering CVS Pharmacy's Distribution Sites

CVS Pharmacy operates hundreds of robots at its distribution centres in the US. The Hainesport facility in New Jersey sorts more than 10,000 products through an automated storage and retrieval system.

The retailer has partnered with three technology providers for the operation. AutoStore, Bastian Solutions and Tompkins Robotics supply the automation equipment at various centres, making CVS the first retailer to use a dual robotic automation system.

Storage and retrieval systems

According to Tompkins Robotics, AutoStore manages the storage component at CVS Pharmacy distribution centres. The system batch picks goods using the Tompkins Robotics tSort system and moves them from induction stations to robot trays.

Employees control the induction stations during the transfer process. Bastian Solutions connects its Exacta software to AutoStore so products move from AutoStore to Tompkins Robotics for sorting and inventory management.

The connection streamlines the workflow between the three technology platforms. Exacta software manages the data flow and product transfers across the automated systems.

Sorting technology deployment

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

The tSort system integrates with other equipment and requires limited maintenance from operators after brief training. A devoted maintenance team is not required due to this design.

If a robot malfunctions it can be reconfigured in minutes. Tompkins Robotics has more than 30,000 tSort systems globally with more than 300 installations.

Operational performance metrics

CVS uses all three technologies at both its Hainesport distribution centre and a nearby facility in Lumberton, New Jersey. According to CVS, the Lumberton centre has experienced several operational changes since implementing the technology:

• more than 99.9% pick accuracy
• 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 has increased daily output from 150,000 to more than 400,000 products. CVS now processes 1.9 million units per week at the location.

The company plans to add 750 robots at the centre which is 160,000 square feet. This could match the capacity of a one million square feet warehouse.

Jamie Tatum, Lead Director of 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."

Google Cloud partnership

CVS Pharmacy partnered with Google Cloud in March 2025 to provide an integrated experience for customers. The partnership promotes health outcomes through Health100.

Health100 is a consumer platform which uses agentic AI to provide care, access to services and cost transparency. The platform could reduce healthcare spending through these features.

Tilak Mandadi, Executive Vice President of Ventures and Chief Experience and Technology Officer at CVS Health, adds: "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 center to enable their health care 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."

Health100 uses Google's Cloud storage and AI technologies including Gemini models, Cloud Healthcare API and BigQuery.