Three countries, three innovations: IERA 2018 awards robots from the USA, Germany and the Netherlands

Three wins in one year: a new direction for the IERA awards

In 2018, the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) awarded for the first time IERA award to three recipients simultaneously. This is a symbolic decision - not only for the winners, but also for the future of robotics as a field. Instead of one leader, the jury decided to share first place among three different areas: industry, medicine and agriculture. This approach shows that innovations in robotics are no longer limited to automating assembly lines - they are spreading to new, complex environments where robots must operate safely and efficiently alongside humans.

The jury's decision was justified by the fact that this year the competition attracted exceptionally high-quality applications. Among the finalists were solutions from medical robotics, intelligent logistics systems and modern industrial tools. This is not only a technological reflection - it is also a signal to the industry: innovation can come from different directions and take different forms.

This division of the award among three different fields was not accidental - it reflected a deep shift in the perception of robotics as a technology. Previously, the IERA award was often given only for innovations in the field of industrial automationHowever, in 2018, the jury noted that the most important changes are happening where robots work with people and solve complex real-world problems. In medicine, this means safety and precision; in agriculture, it means reducing physical strain and improving hygiene; and in industry, it means new ways of manipulating materials without risking damage to surfaces. This approach shows that robotics is not only developing towards faster and more efficient machines, but also towards intelligent, flexible, and human-centered systems. This is the future where technology does not replace humans, but supports them - and the IERA 2018 award became an official confirmation of this trend.

Gecko Gripper USA: the power of nature in the factory

Perception Robotics from the USA received the award for the gecko gripper - a device that uses van der Waals forces, like those that allow geckos to stick to glass surfaces. This technology is based on research by NASA-JPL and Stanford University. In practice, this means that the robot can safely lift glass, sheet metal or other materials without using glue or magnets - and without contaminating the surface.

In 2017, the device was already implemented in the metal industry. The company sees potential in the production of solar panels, where precision and cleanliness are key. This is an example of how scientific research from different fields - from biology to astronautics - can find practical applications in industry.

LBR Med: a robot working with doctors

KUKA Deutschland received the award for LBR Med - a lightweight, seven-axis robot designed to work in medical environments. The device can assist in surgeries, perform laboratory tests or help in rehabilitation. Its key feature is safety when working with people - thanks to highly sensitive sensors and biocompatible coating.

The robot can be integrated with various medical devices, and its design meets international hygiene standards. In particular, it has no external connections, which prevents wetting and contamination. This is important in clinics and operating rooms, where every detail matters.

Stable cleaning robot: agriculture in a new form

Lely International from the Netherlands received the award for Discovery 120 Collector - a robot for cleaning floors in dairy barns. The device moves along a set route, detects manure and removes it using a suction system. It can also spray water to dilute the manure before removing it.

After filling the tank, the robot independently goes to the unloading point, empties the container and refills with water. In 2017, it was introduced on the European market and in the USA - its development is ongoing. This is an example of how robotics can solve difficult tasks in agriculture, where physical work is intense and dangerous.