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 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 fron April 20 to 24, 2026 and a dedicated speaking slot at the Spotlight Stage.
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.
