THE AUTOMATE INNOVATION AWARDS
The Automate Innovation Awards
The Automate Innovation Awards Competition is an unparalleled opportunity for Automate 2026 exhibitors to showcase cutting-edge solutions to a global audience. Eligible entries must be automation products or solutions introduced to the market between January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.
We will select three finalists per category and announce the final winner during the competition at Automate. The winner will receive an Automate Innovation Award and recognition on our website. The Innovation Awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday, June 23rd from 10:30 - 11:45am CT in the Automate Show Theater. Questions about the competition? Email Director of Membership, Amy Zmikly, at [email protected].
Award Categories
Automation Systems
Covers robots (industrial, collaborative, mobile), end-of-arm tooling, automated assembly, conveyors/material handling, and complete automation and integrated solutions. Anything that moves, manipulates, or automates processes.
Vision, AI & Software
Encompasses machine vision, cameras, sensors, AI/ML, industrial IoT, cybersecurity, controls, data systems, and software platforms. The intelligence, sensing, and control layer behind automation.
Components, Hardware & Enabling Technologies
Includes drives, motors, cables/connectors, lasers, lighting, metrology, additive manufacturing, finishing tools, etc. The enabling parts, hardware, and technology that make automation possible.
Judging Criteria
Our panel of judges will be looking for entries that showcase technological innovation and uniqueness in the field of industrial automation. The following areas will be taken in consideration when scoring:
- Level of Innovation: novelty, originality, technological breakthrough
- Impact on Industry/Users: addresses key challenges, measurable benefits
- Differentiation: clear advantages over existing options
- Scalability & Sustainability: can it grow, adapt, or support sustainable practices?
- Overall Contribution to Automation: does it advance the industry in a meaningful way?
Innovation Awards Nominees
Explore nominees by category
Browse through this year's Innovation Awards nominees, organized by category. Click on any nominee card to learn more about their groundbreaking solutions and visit their exhibitor page for complete details.
Automation Systems
Innovative solutions for complete automation systems, robotics, and integrated manufacturing processes.
ARC6N0 T5X - Groundbreaking AI Edge Platform, 2070 FP4 TFLOPS, 1×HDMI 2.0 Display
Yuan High-Tech Development Co. Ltd.
View Exhibitor
Mech-Mind 3D Vision Inline Measurement System
Mech-Mind Robotics Technologies Co. Ltd.
View Exhibitor
Vision, AI & Software
Cutting-edge artificial intelligence, machine vision, and software platforms driving the future of automation.
Components, Hardware & Enabling Technologies
Essential components, hardware innovations, and enabling technologies that power modern automation.
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