Case Study: Bristol Myers Squibb achieves on-time clinical manufacturing with Apprentice's augmented reality tools

Augmented Reality Tools Help Keep Production Humming at Bristol Myers Squibb

Bristol Myers Squibb faced a major challenge when COVID-19 travel restrictions prevented scientists and vendor specialists from being on-site to monitor clinical batch production and support equipment installation for a pediatric formulation. Through its ARGILE program (Assistive Reality Gadgets in Lab Environments) the company adopted augmented reality headsets supplied by Apprentice—hands-free, wearable tablets that deliver real-time video and data—so remote experts could observe and guide manufacturing activities from afar.

Apprentice’s AR headsets enabled remote monitoring of dispensing, blending, granulation, compression and coating, guided on-site staff through equipment setup and troubleshooting, and supported virtual training and lab tours; this approach allowed the critical clinical batches to be successfully manufactured and released, keeping timelines on track. Deployment of the technology grew to about 10 times the initial device count, demonstrating measurable impact in sustaining production continuity, speeding problem resolution, and expanding remote training and hiring capabilities.

Bristol Myers Squibb

Lucy Hawarden

Senior Research Investigator