Happy National Robotics Week! Last week, The Robot Report released this years RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards, an article that showcases the companies and technologies driving innovation in warehouse automation and logistics.

Now in its 14th year, the RBR50 Awards continue to recognize the companies that continue to shape the future of robotics. From warehouse automation to in-home assistive robots, this year’s winners offer a snapshot of how robotics is quickly evolving—and what that means for the industry.

 

Each year, the RBR50 showcases not just what’s new, but what’s working in the field. For those companies building, deploying, or optimizing robotic systems in warehouse environments, these technologies offer insight into future-proofing our operations.

Here are four standouts from this year’s awards that caught our eye—and should be on your radar too.

 

Startup of the Year: Mytra

If you’re in the business of pallet handling or space optimization, Mytra is one to watch. Their 3D lattice storage system automates traditionally manual processes, allowing for high-density, aisle-free storage while supporting loads up to 3,000 lbs. Think of it as the future of warehouse architecture—flexible, modular, and highly efficient.

One of the most compelling stats: Mytra estimates up to 88% labor hour savings for its customers, including major retailers like Albertsons.

 

Application of the Year: TEPCO’s Fukushima Decommissioning Robot

While not warehouse-related directly, Tokyo Electric Power Company’s (TEPCO) use of a remote-controlled robot to retrieve radioactive fuel at Fukushima is a masterclass in designing for extreme environments.

Why does this matter to us? Because warehouse robots are increasingly being tasked with operating in more complex, less predictable environments. TEPCO’s robot shows how remote operations, precision, and resilience can come together to tackle high-risk jobs—traits that are increasingly relevant as warehouses grow more automated and more autonomous.

 

Robot of the Year: Waymo Robotaxi

Waymo may be focused on ride-hailing, but its achievement—over 150,000 paid autonomous trips per week—is an important signal for our industry: autonomy at scale is possible.

With AVs inching closer to mainstream, we should ask: How long until fully autonomous forklifts, trucks, or facility-to-facility vehicles are just as common in warehousing?

 

Robots for Good: Hello Robot’s Stretch 3

The Stretch 3 mobile manipulator by Hello Robot is redefining assistive robotics for people with disabilities. Its ability to navigate cluttered environments and manipulate objects with precision is exactly what warehouses need as goods become more diverse and workflows more dynamic. Plus, its use of open-source software invites collaborative development—something that could spark warehouse-specific applications.

 

warehouse automation robotics rack

 

The Top 50

  1. ABB Robotics: Launches next-generation OmniCore robotics control platform
  2. Agility Robotics: Digit is the first humanoid deployed in a commercial application
  3. Amazon Robotics: Amazon opens its most automated facility ever
  4. Asensus Surgical: Senhance brings minimally-invasive robotic surgery to kids
  5. Beewise: Heat Chamber kills 99% of honeybee mites, chemical-free
  6. Boston Dynamics: Electric version of Atlas a game-changer for humanoids
  7. Chef Robotics: Robots help food manufacturers increase production
  8. Clearpath Robotics by Rockwell Automation: Husky A300 offers rugged mobile robotics platform
  9. Cognibotics: HKM1800 picking robot enhances productivity of warehouses
  10. Collaborative Robotics: Proxie mobile manipulator simplifies material handling
  11. DriveMod: enables autonomy across indoor and outdoor spaces
  12. Endiatx: Swallowable robot offers real-time stomach diagnostics
  13. FBR: Hadrian X blocklaying robot builds first five homes
  14. ForceN: Redefines force-torque sensing with plug-and-play approach
  15. Geek+: Robots help create Unilever’s largest production facility
  16. GrayMatter Robotics: Scan&Sand automates labor-intensive ambulance manufacturing
  17. HEBI Robotics: Inchworm-style robots offer a unique approach to mobility
  18. Hello Robot: Stretch 3 brings in-home assistive robots to life
  19. Humotech: Caplex improves prosthetic fitting with real-time emulation
  20. Isochronic: Simultaneous pick-and-place tech increases throughput
  21. Johns Hopkins University: Researchers use imitation learning to train surgical robots
  22. KUKA: Robots assist with larvae breeding on Danish insect farm
  23. Levita Magnetics: Dual-robot surgery successfully removes human prostate
  24. Libiao Robotics: Skechers enhances warehouse efficiency with AirRob system
  25. LimX Dynamics: TRON 1 multi-modal biped offers a unique R&D platform
  26. Locus Robotics: Mobile robots surpass 4 billion picks worldwide
  27. MAB Robotics: Waterproof Honey Badger quadruped navigates land and water
  28. MassRobotics: MassRobotics startups raise more than $1 billion
  29. maxon: High Efficiency Joints set a new standard for robotic actuators
  30. Mbodi AI: Hybrid AI architecture helps robots learn via natural language
  31. Mytra: Automated storage simplifies case and pallet handling
  32. NASA: Ingenuity Helicopter ends three-year historic run on Mars
  33. Northrop Grumman: Manta Ray underwater drone passes first military test
  34. NVIDIA: Open-source Isaac Lab accelerates robot learning
  35. NYU Langone: Doctors perform world’s first fully robotic double lung transplant
  36. Opteran: European Space Agency tests Mind autonomy platform
  37. OTTO by Rockwell Automation: OTTO solves interoperability issues for large automotive OEM
  38. Pickle Robot: Helps unload more than 1.5 million lbs. of Randa apparel
  39. Project CETI: Researchers use robotics to better understand sperm whales
  40. Reflex Robotics: Wheeled mobile manipulator uses teleoperation to multi-task
  41. Roboto AI: Platform helps robotics developers streamline data analysis
  42. Robust.AI: Carter Pro AMR takes human-robot interaction to the next level
  43. Saildrone: Maritime drones map unexplored areas of the Gulf of Maine
  44. Shadow Robot: DEX-EE hand helps advance robotic manipulation
  45. SKA Robotics: Robot tightens fasteners inside 1GW utility-scale generators
  46. Symbotic: BreakPack solution drastically reduces each picking costs
  47. Tennibot: Partner robot ball machine a glimpse into future of sports training
  48. Tokyo Electric Power Company: Robot removes radioactive material at Fukushima nuclear reactor
  49. Teradyne Robotics: MC600 mobile manipulator handles heavy objects
  50. Waymo: Robotaxis surpass 150,000 paid rides per week

 

 

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