Nominations are now open for companies and groups to apply for the RBR50 2020 Innovation Awards, which celebrate the most influential and innovative robotics companies from around the world

Since 2012, the prestigious RBR50 list has recognized the most influential and innovative companies from around the world, and highlighted how they have advanced the state of robotics. Robotics Business Review, a Robot Report sister publication, is currently seeking nominations for the 2020 Robotics Innovation Awards.

From ideas to solutions

Innovation can take many forms, ranging from new technologies and business models to research methods, political structures, and much more. But at its core, each innovation begins with an idea that can influence, improve, or create a solution.

For 2020, a more expansive view

For the robotics sector, the importance of innovation has never been greater. This year, the editors of Robotics Business Review are taking a more expansive approach to the RBR50 list. This year’s selections will illustrate how multiple types of innovation – technological, business, market, and investment – act in confluence to accelerate robotics sector growth.

To recognize and celebrate robotics innovation in all its forms, the 2020 RBR50 will not be determined by company size, maturity, or sales figures. Nor will awards be limited to certain vertical market segments.

The solicitation and selection process for the 2020 RBR50 has been broadened to also recognize transformative innovation from governmental and private business research, development, and investment groups, as well as technology, product, and services providers.

How to submit to the 2020 RBR50

The editors of Robotics Business Review are seeking submissions from companies, research and development organizations, business development and investment groups, and others for consideration for the 2020 RBR50 awards.

• Each submission must refer to an innovation initiated, released, or executed since January 2019.
• Each submission must fall under one of three categories: 1. Business and management innovation; 2. Technology, services, and research innovation; or 3. Application and market innovation (see descriptions below)
• To apply for the awards, head to the form submission page. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 10, 2020.

Business and management innovation

Entries should describe business and management initiatives or practices that enhance a company’s commercial standing, foster robotics sector growth, or improve society. Innovative business and management categories include:

• Leadership – Setting goals and taking action that results in improved business performance, outperforming the competition, inspiring others, or other positive conclusions.
• Market engagement – Actions that increase the interaction between a company and its customers, partners, or the robotics sector.
• Business models – Novel approaches for selling robotics products or services, including market expansion, new product introduction, acquisitions and investments, and more.
• Social good – Initiatives that provide a positive social benefit such as improving sustainability, encouraging diversity, increasing workplace safety, and supporting underserved groups or communities.

Research, technology, and services innovation

Submissions should describe innovative technologies or services that entered the commercial market after January 2019.

• Primary or applied research – Research published after January 2019 that focuses on robotics, automation and supporting technologies and methods which will advance the commercial robotics sector.
• Product introduction – Innovative technologies and products released and made available for sale to individuals, companies and other groups in the industrial, commercial, public sector, and consumer markets.
• Services introduction – Includes newly introduced business, engineering or technology services. Examples include design, development and manufacturing services, legal services, and Robotics-as-a-Service offerings.

Application and market innovation

These RBR50 entries should feature newly developed applications for specific sectors that deliver value, provide entry to new markets, or improve performance over existing approaches by improving productivity, increasing quality, reducing costs, etc. Markets include:

• Agriculture
• Construction / demolition
• Consumer
• Defense / public safety / security
• Energy / utilities
• Healthcare / medical / rehabilitation
• Hospitality
• Manufacturing
• Mining
• Retail / wholesale
• Supply chain / logistics
• Transportation

Benefits for 2020 RBR50 honorees

Organizations selected for the 2020 RBR50 innovation awards will be announced at RoboBusiness 2020, which will be on June 23-24 at the San Jose Convention Center. Also, exhibitors that have made the list can display banners in their booths at the exposition associated with the RoboBusiness conference.

RoboBusiness is the leading event around robotics innovation, technologies, and business opportunities. This year, it is co-located with the Sensors Expo in Silicon Valley.

In addition, RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award winners will receive coverage throughout the year on Robot Report and Robotics Business Review. The award winning companies and groups are described in a published supplement available as a print version or as a download.

Questions?

For specific questions regarding the 2020 RBR50 innovation awards, please contact Dan Kara or Eugene Demaitre.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR COMPANY