Swisslog's Smart Refrigerators: Securing the Cold Chain for a New Era

BROOMFIELD, CO – December 03, 2025 – As hospitals grapple with the dual pressures of rising operational costs and the increasing complexity of modern pharmaceuticals, Swisslog Healthcare is introducing a solution that tackles both. The company, a key player in pharmacy automation, has unveiled its Tenutō™ line of medical refrigerators and freezers, a move that signals a significant shift from simple cold storage to intelligent, integrated infrastructure. The launch, set for the upcoming American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Midyear Conference, promises to redefine how healthcare facilities protect their most temperature-sensitive assets.

A New Standard for the Pharmaceutical Cold Chain

The integrity of the pharmaceutical cold chain—the system of storing and transporting drugs at recommended temperatures—has never been more critical. The rise of biologics, cell and gene therapies, and advanced vaccines means that a growing portion of a hospital's pharmacy inventory is highly vulnerable to temperature fluctuations. A minor deviation, or "excursion," can render thousands of dollars' worth of medication useless and, more importantly, pose a direct threat to patient safety by delivering a compromised treatment.

The medical refrigeration market, valued at over $4.5 billion in 2024 and projected to nearly double by 2032, is racing to meet this challenge. Healthcare facilities are moving beyond basic refrigeration to demand systems that offer precision, reliability, and verifiable performance. This is where the Tenutō line aims to set a new benchmark. It is engineered for "trusted temperature uniformity and rapid recovery after door openings," two features critical in a busy pharmacy environment where doors are frequently opened.

Crucially, the line adheres to the stringent ANSI/NSF 456 standard for vaccine storage. This certification, which is becoming the gold standard in the industry, assures providers that the units maintain the stable temperature profiles required by CDC guidelines for vaccines. In a post-pandemic world acutely aware of vaccine viability, this compliance is not just a feature but a necessity. By securing certifications from UL for safety and Energy Star for efficiency, Swisslog Healthcare is positioning Tenutō not just as a product, but as a fully-vetted component of a modern, compliant healthcare system.

Bridging Patient Safety and Hospital Sustainability

For years, hospital administrators have faced a difficult trade-off between clinical performance and environmental responsibility. High-performance medical equipment is often energy-intensive. The Tenutō line directly challenges this paradigm by delivering top-tier performance while consuming 47% less energy than conventional medical-grade units.

This remarkable efficiency is achieved through the integration of smart-inverter compressors and advanced LBA (low-GWP blowing agent) foaming technology for insulation. For a hospital running dozens of these units 24/7, the cumulative energy savings translate into a significant reduction in operational expenditures over the device's 10-plus-year service life. This makes a compelling financial case for upgrading aging, inefficient infrastructure.

However, the impact extends beyond the balance sheet. Healthcare is one of the most energy-intensive sectors, and many health systems have launched ambitious sustainability initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint. Adopting energy-efficient technology like the Tenutō line allows these institutions to advance their green goals without compromising on the primary mission of patient care. In this context, sustainability becomes a direct component of operational excellence.

"The Tenutō medical refrigerators and freezers mark a critical advancement in pharmaceutical storage technology, delivering the precision and reliability that modern healthcare demands," said Connie Vigil, Business Analyst, Product Management for Pharmacy Automation at Swisslog Healthcare, in the company's announcement. "When medications lose potency due to temperature fluctuations, patients suffer the consequences. By integrating advanced temperature control and energy efficiency, we provide a solution that safeguards patient health and supports sustainability goals."

Automating Compliance and Optimizing Pharmacy Workflows

Perhaps the most forward-looking aspect of the Tenutō line lies in its digital integration capabilities, which transform it from a standalone appliance into a smart, connected node within the hospital's operational network. This directly addresses the significant administrative burden associated with compliance and monitoring in pharmacies.

Every unit comes equipped with a built-in USB data logger, which automatically records temperature data. This feature streamlines the once-tedious process of manual temperature logging, providing easily accessible, traceable documentation for audits and regulatory checks. Pharmacy staff can simply download the data, saving valuable time that can be redirected toward clinical tasks and patient interaction.

Taking this a step further, an optional RS-485 port enables the refrigerators to integrate directly with a hospital's Building Management System (BMS). This connectivity allows for centralized, real-time monitoring of all connected units from a single dashboard. Any temperature deviation can trigger an immediate, automated alert, enabling proactive intervention before medication is compromised. This level of automation not only enhances security but also minimizes the risk of human error associated with manual checks. The intuitive design, which the company states provides 10% more usable interior space, further optimizes workflow by improving organization and inventory management within the unit itself.

Strategic Automation from a Global Leader

The innovation behind Tenutō is no accident; it is the product of Swisslog Healthcare's unique position as a member of the KUKA Group, a global leader in intelligent automation and robotics. This synergy allows the company to apply principles from industrial automation to solve complex challenges in the healthcare supply chain. The Tenutō line is a prime example of this strategy: it's not just a better refrigerator, but a more automated, data-driven component of a larger system.

The company is launching the line with several models to meet diverse needs, including the 'Tenutō Cool' pharmacy refrigerators, with capacities from a small 42L countertop unit to a large 1006L unit, and the 'Tenutō Combo' refrigerator/freezer units. This portfolio approach ensures that facilities of all sizes can find a solution that fits their specific spatial and storage requirements. Furthermore, the inclusion of a backup battery to maintain monitoring functions during a power outage underscores a design philosophy centered on failsafe reliability.

"Attendees at ASHP Midyear will see firsthand how the Tenutō line can enhance their operations," stated Maria Garces, VP of Pharmacy Automation Products for Swisslog Healthcare. "This launch highlights our commitment to advancing healthcare technology and providing solutions that strengthen both operational success and patient care."

This move by Swisslog Healthcare illustrates a broader trend in med-tech: the convergence of hardware, software, and data analytics. As medications become more personalized and sensitive, the infrastructure that protects them must evolve to be smarter, more efficient, and fully integrated. The Tenutō line demonstrates that the future of medication safety is inextricably linked to the digital transformation of the hospital itself.