MassRobotics Announces Recipients of 2026 Robotics Medal Recognizing Accomplishments of Women in Robotics
The Robotics Medal has been established to honor a distinguished woman researcher in the field of robotics, acknowledging her significant contributions with a $50,000 prize. This prestigious award aims to highlight the vital role women play in advancing robotics and to inspire future generations. In addition, the Rising Star Medal will recognize emerging female talents who are making notable advancements in the discipline, accompanied by a $5,000 award for the selected recipient. Both awards are part of a broader initiative to promote gender diversity and encourage women's participation in the robotics sector, reflecting a growing commitment to inclusivity in STEM fields.
MassRobotics
United States
Boston-based nonprofit and the world's largest independent robotics hub, supporting robotics and Physical AI startups with workspace, prototyping resources, and industry connections. Resident startups have collectively raised over USD 2 billion in venture funding.
HERL (Human Engineering Research Lab)
United States
Joint University of Pittsburgh and US Department of Veterans Affairs laboratory conducting rehabilitation engineering research. Develops mobility devices, assistive technologies, and medical-grade products for people with disabilities.
Joanneum Research Assoc (AT)
Austria
Joanneum Research Institute for Robotics and Flexible Production conducts applied R&D in industrial robot systems, production automation and robot safety, offering feasibility analysis, consulting and testing in a robotics solution centre.
St Petersburg National Research U of ITMO
Russian leading research university (ITMO University) specializing in information technology, optical engineering, and photonics. Active research programs in AI, robotics, computer vision, and cyber-physical systems.
Alkadur Robot Systems GmbH
Germany
Alkadur Robot Systems (Germany) manufactures automated doner kebab cutting robots for commercial food service environments. The robotic systems use optically integrated sensors to deliver precise, hygienic, single-button-operated meat slicing for high-volume restaurant and catering operations.
CRP Robot (CN)
China
Chinese high-tech enterprise manufacturing industrial robots, collaborative robots, and core robot components including control systems and servo systems. Main drafting unit of four Chinese national standards in the industrial robot domain.
Dr Robot
Canada
Dr Robot Inc develops WiFi-connected robot platforms, motor drivers, servo controllers, and OEM robot kits for autonomous mobile and humanoid robot development. Products target educational, research, and personal robot application developers.
Patten Studio
United States
Patten Studio is an interactive design studio based at MIT Media Lab roots, creating technology-driven art installations and experiential environments for brands and public spaces. Work involves sensing, embedded computing, and responsive physical interfaces, with peripheral relevance to human-machine interaction.
Shenzhen Macrotellect Technology (CN)
Macrotellect develops BrainLink EEG headsets and brainwave sensing devices for consumer and research applications. The company focuses on brain-computer interface technology enabling non-invasive neural signal acquisition and human-machine interaction.
Soul Machines
New Zealand AI company (now in receivership as of February 2026) that developed lifelike digital human avatars powered by large language models for customer service and enterprise deployment. Created Digital Workers and Workforce Connect platforms.
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