Abstract: A needle shield removal assembly includes a needle shield gripper configured to operatively engage a needle shield, and a gripper holder, wherein the needle shield gripper is secured to the gripper holder via a connection interface, wherein the connection interface is formed by a holder interface feature engaging a gripper interface feature, wherein the gripper holder has an opening configured to receive the needle shield gripper and/or the needle shield, wherein the holder interface feature is offset from the opening, wherein the gripper holder defines a receiving space within which the needle shield gripper is received, wherein the receiving space has an axial extension, and wherein the needle shield gripper and the gripper holder are adjusted to one another to reduce mechanical contact of a) the gripper holder and a bent region of the needle shield gripper and/or b) the gripper holder and an edge of the needle shield gripper.