ROBOTICS AWARD 2026, one of the most prestigious honours in the international robotics community, was presented to startup GoodBytz during the HANNOVER MESSE Press Preview held on February 25. The company was recognised for its automated kitchen system designed to prepare individualised meals quickly and simultaneously.
Presented annually at HANNOVER MESSE by Deutsche Messe, the award celebrates innovative robot-assisted solutions in automation and logistics. This year’s winning entry showcases an advanced robotic kitchen concept that integrates lightweight and compact industrial robots from Fanuc.
The robots are specifically engineered to meet stringent food processing requirements, featuring specialised seals, food-grade materials, and high levels of protection against heat, moisture, and rigorous cleaning processes. A proprietary AI-driven control logic enables intelligent sequencing of workflows, ensuring efficient operations even when multiple orders are processed at the same time.
The automated and flexible production system is designed to deliver high-quality, customised meals for hospitals, universities, and corporate facilities. By maintaining consistent output regardless of staffing levels or order complexity, the solution addresses one of the food service industry’s most pressing challenges — the shortage of skilled labour. GoodBytz expects strong market demand for the system as institutions increasingly seek reliable and scalable automation solutions.
The award was presented by Dr. Jochen Köckler, CEO of Deutsche Messe: “The award-winning solution from GoodBytz impressively demonstrates how robotics technologies originating in traditional industry are successfully expanding into new sectors, such as gastronomy and food supply. This opens up entirely new fields of application, and contributes significantly toward ensuring quality, efficiency, and supply reliability across diverse areas of daily life.”
The prize includes a comprehensive, premium package comprising exhibition space in the Application Park at HANNOVER MESSE, together with a speaking slot on the Spotlight Stage.
HANNOVER MESSE
HANNOVER MESSE is the world’s leading trade fair for the manufacturing industry. More than 3,500 exhibiting companies from the electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, digital, and energy sectors come together there to present solutions for competitive and sustainable industry. The main exhibition areas are Automation & Digitalization, Energy & Industrial Infrastructure, and Research & Technology Transfer. The topic artificial intelligence is a common thread through all exhibition areas. A diverse conference program enhances the fair. The next edition runs in Hannover from 20 to 24 April 2026. Brazil is Partner Country.
