The finalists for the 2026 Automate Innovation Awards and Startup Challenge have been officially announced! These companies represent what’s possible in robotics and automation and cover a wide range of applications across robotics and automation, from foundational components and advanced vision systems to fully autonomous systems and emerging startups poised to shape the industry.
Take a look at this year’s finalists before seeing them live at Automate:
The Automate Startup Challenge Finalists
Sponsored by NVIDIA and Microsoft, the Automate Startup challenge brings early-stage companies in robotics and automation to the Automate Show Theatre for a live pitch competition on Monday, June 22, from 3-5 PM CT. The event is free and open to anyone attending Automate.
The following 10 companies have been selected as finalists for the Startup Challenge:
Axomind, Inc.
Axomind is advancing intelligent automation through AI-driven systems that improve decision-making and operational efficiency. Founder Arash Tajik brings a strong focus on scalable applications that solve practical industrial challenges.
CeiliX
CeiliX bridges startup agility with industrial-scale automation software. Its technologies emphasize flexibility with next-gen infrastructure, positioning the company as an innovator in automation systems.
Copper Robotics Inc.
Copper Robotics is focused on simplifying robotic deployment in industrial environments, making automation more accessible and cost-effective.
Daxo Robotics
Daxo Robotics is developing solutions that improve autonomy and adaptability in robotic systems, helping machines operate more effectively in dynamic environments.
Hardhat Robotics
Hardhat Robotics is targeting construction and field applications, bringing automation into traditionally manual, high-risk industries.
KoiReader Technologies
KoiReader Technologies specializes in advanced perception and data extraction, enabling machines to better interpret and act on visual information.
Luffy AI
Luffy AI is building intelligent systems that enhance robotic learning and interaction, pushing forward human-machine collaboration.
Mbodi AI
Mbodi AI focuses on embodied intelligence, integrating AI deeply into physical systems to create more capable and responsive robots.
Mowito Robotics
Mowito Robotics develops navigation and autonomy solutions, enabling robots to move efficiently and safely in complex environments
EV Bots
EV Bots builds autonomous service nodes that automate charging, tire pressure management, and safety inspection systems for electric vehicle fleets
The Automate Innovation Awards Finalists
The Automate Innovation Awards spotlight cutting-edge technology from exhibitors and are presented as a live competition at Automate. The format gives each finalist a brief moment on stage to explain why their technology stands out, and the awards ceremony will be held on June 23rd from 10:30 - 11:45 AM CT in the Automate Show Theater.
The following companies have been selected as finalists across three award categories:
Vision, AI, and Software
Standard Bots
Flux AI: a physical AI platform that enables robots to learn tasks through demonstration rather than coding, using an end-to-end learning module powered by NVIDIA Isaac. The system captures human skill in real time using onboard vision, translates demonstrations into structured data, and trains cloud-based models that generalize across environmental variations.
Kowa American Corp.
Rotary Wiper Integrated Vision System: a compact vision system designed for CNC machines and uses active air injection to rotate the wiper, removing moisture, oil, and residue from the lens. It enables real-time internal monitoring to detect chip accumulation and blind spots without stopping production.
Path Robotics
Obsidian™: Path Robotics’ foundational physical AI model for welding, trained on tens of millions of real welded inches using a proprietary Weld World Model simulator. The AI transforms traditional industrial robot arms into adaptive systems that see, understand, and adjust to shop floor variations in real time.
Automation Systems
Standard Bots
Thor: an advanced automation system that integrates robotic control, workflow orchestration, and real-time monitoring into a unified platform. It combines motion planning, sensor integration, and adaptive control algorithms to create a single, scalable automation solution.
CeiliX Technology GmbH
CeiliX InfinityCrane and SkyRunner: an omnidirectional overhead crane system that uses a module ceiling-mounted rail network to enable free movement in all directions and around obstacles. The SkyRunner attaches to this rail lattice with grippers equipped with laterally-facing rollers. The system supports up to 250kg in its current version.
YUAN High-Tech Development Co., Ltd.
ARC6N0 T5X: a high-performance robotic edge-AI platform capable of delivering AI computing with up to 2070 FP4 TFLOPS for mid-to-high-level edge AI inference. It features industrial-grade reliability optimized for 24/7 edge operations, with connectivity options for AMRs, humanoid robots, and smart automation systems.
Components, Hardware, and Enabling Technologies
Maxon
High Efficiency Joint (HEJ) 50: a compact, fully integrated high-efficiency robotic joint actuator. It delivers up to 50 Nm peak torque and operates across 30-60 V DC, while weighing just 1kg. The joint supports multiple control modes (position, velocity, torque, impedance) and features low inertia and backdrivablitiy for safe compliance.
Synapticon GmbH
ACTILINK-JD Featuring POSITRON Safety AI: a family of zero-backlash, quasi-direct drive actuators designed for lightweight and humanoid robots. The family includes three variants (JD8, JD10, JD12) with peak torques of 17 Nm, 60 Nm, and 120 Nm, respectively. POSITRON is Synapticon’s AI-based safety architecture, and the first certifiable solution addressing both mechanical instability and AI-driven movements in humanoids by predicting motion intent and responding in real time.
Amprius Technologies
SiCore® A88 Lithium-Ion Battery: built on Amprius’ proprietary silicon anode material system, delivering 370 Wh/kg energy density and >3000 W/kg power performance. It supports high discharge rates of up to 10C without cooling and 15C with active cooling, enabling rapid power delivery while maintaining extended runtime for high-demand applications.
See the Finalists in Action at Automate 2026
The Startup Challenge takes place on June 22 from 3 - 5 PM CT, and the Innovation Awards ceremony is held on June 23 from 10:30 - 11:45 AM CT, both in the Automate Show Theatre. Join us at Automate 2026 in Chicago, June 22-25, to see these technologies in action and witness the winners being announced.
If you haven’t registered yet for this year’s Automate, there’s still time. Register today to experience the future of robotics and automation.
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