Three solutions nominated for the Robotics Award 2026

Three companies were selected for the award from numerous applications from Germany and abroad. They were judged on the degree of technical innovation of their solutions as well as their market maturity and economic implementation.

The nominees in alphabetical order:

• Fraunhofer IFAM, Stade. The nominee was the Machine Tool Robot (MTR) developed jointly with Siemens, Autonox Robotics and Weiss Spindeln. The milling kinematics closes the gap between classic industrial robots and machine tools and, according to the company, is a milestone for resource-efficient, flexible automated production. The technology combines intelligent, model-based control strategies with innovative drive technologies. This allows dynamic errors to be compensated for and vibrations to be effectively damped. This significantly improves path accuracy, even at high feed speeds and complex movement patterns. The optimized interference suppression ensures constant precision even with highly dynamic process forces. This drive concept therefore enables machining with higher material removal rates as well as the ability to run with higher jerk settings - both of which together lead to a considerable increase in productivity.
• GoodBytz, Hamburg. The nominated product is an automated kitchen system for the fast and parallel preparation of individual dishes. The robots are controlled by their own AI-based control logic, which makes it possible to carry out intelligent process planning even when orders are received at the same time. These automated and flexible production processes guarantee a high-quality and individualized food supply for clinics, universities or companies with constant performance, regardless of staff availability or order complexity. The company anticipates a strong growth in market demand due to the lack of skilled workers in the catering industry.
• Robust AI, USA. The nominated product 'Carter Collaborative Autonomous Warehouse Robot' is an AI-supported multifunctional robot for warehouse automation. Carter combines the functions of several robotic systems in one solution and performs tasks such as picking, transporting and sorting. With the help of AI-based visual perception, the robot recognizes its environment and people and translates data input into optimized workflows. Carter operates completely autonomously, but can also be controlled manually if required. As a result, the system offers a high level of operational flexibility and is specially designed for safe human-machine collaboration. The robot relieves employees in warehouse operations, reduces error rates and increases productivity and efficiency by up to 80 percent.

The three nominated solutions will be presented to around 100 journalists from all over the world on February 25. The winner of the Robotics Award will then be announced. The prize includes a package consisting of an exhibition space in the Application Park at Hannover Messe and a presentation slot on the Spotlight Stage. The Hannover Messe takes place from April 20 to 24.