A high-caliber panel of robotics experts has announced the nominees for the coveted ROBOTICS AWARD 2026. The award honors companies driving groundbreaking advances in industrial development with their innovative robot assisted solutions in the fields of automation and logistics. Three companies particularly impressed the jury and made it onto the shortlist. The winner will be announced on 25 February 2026 during the HANNOVER MESSE Press Preview.
Hannover. The jury selected three companies from among the numerous entries submitted from Germany and abroad for the ROBOTICS AWARD. The robotic solutions entered were judged according to the degree of technical innovation they exhibit as well as their readiness for market release and their economic viability.
The nominees are as follows, in alphabetical order:
Fraunhofer IFAM, Stade, Germany. The nomination goes to the Machine Tool Robot (MTR), developed in collaboration with Siemens, Autonox Robotics, and Weiss Spindeln. This pioneering milling kinematics system bridges the gap between classic industrial robots and machine tools – marking a milestone for flexible, automated production that uses resources efficiently. Its groundbreaking technology combines intelligent, model based control strategies with innovative drive systems. This allows dynamic errors to be compensated for and vibrations to be effectively damped. Path accuracy is thus significantly improved, even at high feed rates and during complex movement patterns. A distinct advantage lies in the system’s optimized disturbance rejection, which ensures consistent precision even under highly dynamic process forces. This drive concept enables machining with higher material removal rates and operation with higher jerk settings – both of which help to deliver a significant productivity boost.
GoodBytz, Hamburg, Germany. The nominated product is an automated kitchen system designed to prepare individualized meals quickly and simultaneously. The robots are guided by a proprietary AI driven control logic capable of intelligently sequencing workflows even when multiple orders are received simultaneously. These automated and flexible production processes ensure high quality, customized food supply for hospitals, universities, or corporate facilities while maintaining consistent output – regardless of staffing levels or order complexity. Given the ongoing shortage of skilled labor in the food service industry, the company anticipates rapidly growing market demand for this solution.
Robust AI, California, USA. The nominated product, the “Carter collaborative autonomous warehouse robot”, is an AI driven multifunctional robot designed for warehouse automation. Carter combines the functions of multiple robotic systems into a single platform, performing tasks such as picking, transporting, and sorting. Using AI optimized visual perception, the robot recognizes its surroundings and detects nearby personnel, translating data inputs into optimized workflows. Carter operates fully autonomously yet can also be manually controlled when required. This dual capability delivers a high level of operational flexibility and makes the system purpose-built for safe, reliable human-machine collaboration. The robot alleviates the workload on warehouse staff, reduces error rates, and boosts productivity and efficiency by up to 80 percent.
The three nominated solutions will be showcased on 25 February to about 100 journalists from around the globe, after which the winner of the ROBOTICS AWARD 2026 will be announced. The prize includes exhibition space in the Application Park at HANNOVER MESSE and a dedicated speaking slot at the Spotlight Stage..
HANNOVER MESSE
HANNOVER MESSE is the world’s leading trade fair for the manufacturing industry. More than 3,500 exhibiting companies from the electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, digital, and energy sectors come together there to present solutions for competitive and sustainable industry. The main exhibition areas are Automation & Digitalization, Energy & Industrial Infrastructure, and Research & Technology Transfer. The topic artificial intelligence is a common thread through all exhibition areas. A diverse conference program enhances the fair. The next edition runs in Hannover from 20 to 24 April 2026. Brazil is Partner Country.
