We will start by qualifying the term "Automation". Automation in pharmacy is quite simply a way to replace humanistic tasks and improve efficiency. it can also help reduce errors if used properly.

Automation is a general term that describes robotics, hardware systems, and even software systems that streamline a process or workflow.

For example, a robotic system might receive prescription information, count pills, label a bottle, pour the pills into the bottle, cap the bottle, and group the prescriptions by patient.

Outpatient automation technologies have been around for over 30 years. Originally, companies such as Baker APS developed marketed a "machined hopper" that provided fast and fairly accurate counting. These "baker cells" went on to be replaced by various types of counting technologies and robotics. In my opinion, the automation market is still very immature. A quick review of the organizational structure of these companies shows us that they are still quite small (300 or so employees, relatively small development staff) and have lots of room to grow. Likewise, many of the current players on the market have either been acquired by a large healthcare firm or are soon to be. There are exceptions to the rule of course. Some of these companies that currently provide outpatient automated devices include:
Automed
McKesson APS
Parata