The Krailingen-based company EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems has been named 'Innovator of the Year' in size category C. The company is active in additive manufacturing from metal and plastic. Its core technology is laser sintering, also known as 'additive manufacturing' or 'industrial 3D printing'. Three-dimensional bodies, such as the 'bionic handling assistant' for Festo (see image), can be built up layer by layer by melting plastic or metal powder with a laser. This approach changes production and creates new possibilities for construction and design. Prof. Dr. Dr. August-Wilhelm Scheer, member of the 'Top 100' jury, emphasizes: "It is impressive to see how consistently the company has aligned its entire innovation management system through product, process and business model innovations to expand its global market and technology leadership for the additive manufacturing process". At the same time ...