This year the jury, chaired by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Reimund Neugebauer, President of the Fraunhofer Society, awarded the prize for a product geared to the dynamic robotics market. As one of the three nominees, the Smart Flex Effector project consists of a sensor-based compensation module (end effector) for robots, featuring independent, precise kinematics in six degrees of freedom. It can be used in handling or joining processes with tight tolerances in automation technology or robotics, with loads of up to 6 kg. The position of workpieces or handling objects can be sensed by robots which are outfitted with the Smart Flex Effector. The range of applications is diverse, since it is also suitable for human-robot collaboration as an add-on device for a variety of robots.

“Close human-robot interaction occupies a central position in solving pressing economic, societal and demographic challenges: from optimizing industrial assembly to increasing productivity in agriculture to supporting medical and nursing staff in the form of assistance robots,” declared Prof. Reimund Neugebauer, President of the Fraunhofer Society and Chairperson of the HERMES AWARD jury, adding: “The Smart Flex Effector is driving efficiency and diversity in the uses of robots, creating quantifiable value for industry, the environment and society. With the award for this project, the HERMES AWARD goes to Bosch Rexroth for the third time. Congratulations on this excellent achievement.”

The HERMES AWARD is HANNOVER MESSE’s international technology award. Presented annually, the award is open to all companies and institutions taking part as exhibitors at the trade fair. It is awarded to outstanding products and innovative solutions that demonstrate a particularly high degree of technological innovation. The award is traditionally presented at the opening ceremony of HANNOVER MESSE.

HANNOVER MESSE

HANNOVER MESSE is the world’s premier trade fair for industry. Its lead theme, “Industrial Transformation” unites the display sectors of Automation, Motion & Drives, Digital Ecosystems, Energy Solutions, Engineered Parts & Solutions, Future Hub, Compressed Air & Vacuum and Global Business & Markets. The key topics include CO2-neutral production, energy management, Industrie 4.0, artificial intelligence and machine learning, energy management, and hydrogen and fuel cells. The exhibition program is complemented by a series of conferences and forums. The next edition will be hosted in Hannover from 17 to 21 April 2023. The Partner Country at HANNOVER MESSE 2023 is Indonesia.

HERMES AWARD