The prestigious 2025 Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Robotics & Automation (IERA) was recently presented to OTTO by
Rockwell Automation for its groundbreaking work in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). OTTO was the first to develop an AMR solution capable of transporting heavy loads through factories and operating in fleets of more than 100 units, setting a new benchmark in professional service robotics.
OTTO’s mobile robots automate repetitive and hazardous material-handling tasks in manufacturing environments, moving parts, pallets, and supplies across factory floors without human intervention. Each system combines robust vehicle hardware with a sophisticated software suite for autonomous navigation, factory integration, fleet analysis, and remote monitoring. The software is designed to manage some of the largest AMR fleets in the world, optimising speed while maintaining stringent safety standards to ensure predictable movement around workers.
Susanne Bieller, IERA Awards chair and
IFR general secretary said “The winning robot, OTTO, marks a world-changing milestone in the development of autonomous mobile robots.” The jury praised Rockwell Automation for delivering a mature and well-established solution that advances AMR technology for material handling.
Ryan Gariepy, vice president of robotics at Rockwell Automation and former CTO and co-founder of OTTO, expressed his gratitude “We are deeply honoured to receive the distinguished IERA award and thank the jury for recognising our work. The prize encourages us to continue pushing the boundaries in the development of valuable, innovative technologies in robotics.”
Transportation and logistics applications dominate the global professional service robotics sector. According to the latest World Robotics report by IFR, annual sales in this category rose by 14% in 2024, with transportation and logistics accounting for 52% of all installations worldwide.
The competition was strong. Other finalists included Spanish automation firm
Aldakin for its robotic machining head that significantly reduces hazardous dust emissions during composite material processing;
Fourier Rehab from Shanghai with its “ExoMotus M4,” an advanced lower-limb rehabilitation robot for patients with neurological and musculoskeletal impairments; and
Youibot from Shenzhen, China, with its dual-arm humanoid robot “MAIC-X” for industrial inspection.