Who CVS Pharmacy is Working With for Warehouse Automation

Automation is at the heart of CVS Pharmacy distribution centres across the US. One of its distribution centres in Hainesport, New Jersey utilises hundreds of robots that sort over 10,000 everyday products in the warehouse through an automated storage-and-retrieval system.

The robots come from three tech companies CVS has partnered with: AutoStore, Bastian Solutions and Tompkins Robotics.

These companies support the automation being used at various distribution centres, becoming the first retailer to implement a dual robotic automation system.

How these technologies work

AutoStore:

According to Tompkins Robotics, AutoStore handles the storage element in CVS Pharmacy distribution centres. AutoStore batch picks goods utilising Tompkins Robotics tSort system and transfers them from induction stations controlled by employees to robot trays. 

Bastian Solutions:

Bastian Solutions streamlines the entire process by connecting its Exacta software to AutoStore so products are transferred from AutoStore to Tompkins Robotics for sorting and inventory management. 

Tompkins Robotics:

Tompkins Robotics created the Tompkins Robotics tSort system which uses over 420 robots to autonomously sort products and place them in totes for certain CVS locations.

The tSort system is also able to seamlessly integrate with other equipment and receive minimal maintenance from operators once they receive a brief training. Because of this, there isn’t a need for a devoted maintenance team. If a robot malfunctions, it can be reconfigured in minutes.

Tompkins Robotics has over 30,000 tSort systems globally with over 300 installations.

Along with its Hainesport distribution centre, CVS also utilizes all three technologies at a nearby centre in Lumberton, New Jersey. Since implementing the innovative technology, the centre has experienced:

• Over 99.9% pick accuracy, ensuring near-perfect order fulfillment.
• 40% lower operational costs compared to other CVS distribution centers.
• Modular, flexible system reconfigurable in minutes with no downtime.
• Enhanced employee experience, with reduced physical strain and safer working conditions.

The Lumberton Distribution Centre’s daily output has gone from 150,000 to over 400,000 products, allowing CVS to process $US1.9 million units per week. CVS plans to add 750 robots at the centre which is 160,000 square feet, matching the capacity of a 1,000,000 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.” 

CVS champions innovation

CVS Pharmacy continues to be on the cutting edge of technology and innovation. In March 2026, the pharmaceutical giant partnered with Google Cloud to provide an integrated experience for its customers and promote better health results through Health100. 

Health100 is a consumer platform which utilises built in agentic AI to provide personalized care, quicker access to quality care and cost transparency to reduce spending.

Tilak Mandadi, Executive VP, 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.”

Healthcare 100 utilises Google’s Cloud storage and AI technologies including Gemini models, Cloud Healthcare API, and BigQuery.