Minsk Unveils Belarus’s First Robot Pharmacist at Main Railway Station

In the capital of Belarus, Minsk, the country's first robot pharmacist has started operations. This automated pharmacy, launched on April 22, 2025, is located on the basement floor of Minsk-Passenger Railway Station. Now passengers and city residents can purchase over-the-counter medications without human involvement, making medication purchases quick and convenient in one of the busiest places in the city.

What is a robot pharmacist and how does it work?

The robot pharmacist is a closed module containing shelves stocked with approximately 300 types of over-the-counter drugs, mostly produced in Belarus. The device maintains an optimal temperature for storing medications, ensuring their quality. The purchase process is as simple as possible:

1. Selection of medication: The buyer uses a touch screen to find and select the required drug.
2. Age verification: You must scan your passport or ID card to confirm that you are at least 14 years old.
3. Payment: After selection and age verification, payment is made.
4. Dispensing: The robot independently retrieves the medication and dispenses it through a special window.

This technology reduces purchase time and makes the process fully automated.

Why is a robot pharmacist needed?

The project was launched in test mode at the station, where thousands of people pass through daily. The main objectives are:

• Testing: The high passenger flow helps assess the system’s reliability and efficiency.
• 24/7 operation: The pharmacy is available around the clock, which is especially convenient for travelers at any time of day or night.
• Convenience: Automation speeds up the purchase process, eliminating queues.

In addition, the robot’s panel displays a phone number for consulting a pharmacist. This preserves the option of professional support despite the absence of a person behind the counter.

What do officials say?

Key figures, including Deputy Minister of Health Alexander Starovoitov and CEO of RUE “Belpharmacy” Sergey Litosh, attended the opening. Starovoitov noted that the project fits into Belarus’s IT development strategy, including the use of electronic prescriptions. He emphasized that the robot’s performance results will be studied for a possible expansion of the network of automated pharmacies. Sergey Litosh added that the device is testing new approaches to selling medications without direct pharmacist involvement. Interestingly, the robot accepts not only Belarusian documents but also foreign passports with biometric data, making it convenient for international visitors.

Technology prospects

If the trials are successful, similar robot pharmacists may appear in other high-traffic locations: airports, shopping centers, and city streets. This will not only increase medication accessibility but also mark an important step in the digitalization of Belarusian healthcare.

Conclusion

The first robot pharmacist at the Minsk station is not just an innovation but an example of how technology can simplify everyday life. Combining convenience, speed, and innovation, it opens a new chapter in the history of pharmacy in the country. Time will tell if it becomes a familiar part of the urban environment, but already it is attracting attention from both local residents and visitors to Minsk.