The robotics world has two new stars to celebrate. Hiroshi Fujiwara and Robert Little have been named recipients of the prestigious 2026 Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Awards — widely regarded as the highest honor in the robotics industry — according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR).
The Engelberger Award carries serious weight in the field. Named after Joseph F. Engelberger, the visionary pioneer often dubbed the "Father of Robotics," the recognition is handed out annually to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the development, application, education, or promotion of robotics technology. Earning this distinction puts Fujiwara and Little in rare company alongside some of the most transformative minds the industry has ever produced.
While specific details about each honoree's body of work are still emerging, selections for this award are never made lightly. The IFR evaluates candidates based on real-world impact — whether that means pushing the boundaries of what machines can do, helping bring robotic solutions into new industries, or inspiring the next generation of engineers and researchers to take the field further.
Why does this matter beyond the trophy? Recognition at this level shines a spotlight on the kinds of innovation that actually move the needle. When the robotics community pauses to honor its best, it sends a clear signal about the directions and values driving the industry forward — smarter systems, broader applications, and a deepening commitment to human-robot collaboration.
With automation accelerating across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and beyond, moments like this serve as a reminder that behind every breakthrough is a person with a bold idea and the determination to make it real. Congratulations to Hiroshi Fujiwara and Robert Little — the robotics world is watching, and it's cheering loudly.