Packaging is a key element of the modern economy globally — and the industry is facing radical change in this area. How can robotics help to make packaging more sustainable?
KUKA is currently looking for creative and innovative ideas in the latest round of its
Innovation Award.
With new EU Packaging Regulation and changing demands for efficiency and sustainability, companies are having to rethink their packaging strategies by utilising modern concepts and solutions — this is the reason why the
KUKA Innovation Award 2026 has the slogan ‘Circular Packaging Challenge’.
Volker Schmirgel, head of the KUKA Innovation and Technology Center, said: “New technologies in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) open up countless possibilities for the packaging industry, whether it is recycling, waste prevention, or completely redesigning the entire packaging process. We are looking for bright minds and young talent that can look to the future and present us with their ideas on how robots can be utilised effectively in the packaging of consumer goods. We are looking for ideas that cover the entire life cycle, from packaging products in manufacturing to the recycling process.”
Teams from around the world can submit their ideas until the end of August, when an international jury will then select the five best concept to be turned into reality with a KUKA robot provided free-of-charge. It can be upgraded with a Roboception 3-D vision system and KUKA software and KUKA experts will be on hand to support the finalists in the implementation process.
The five finalists will then have the opportunity to present their applications to an international audience of experts on the KUKA stand at the leading packaging trade fair
interpack in May 2026. There, the jury will select the winner of the
Innovation Award and a 20,000 euro prize.