Seventeen companies have been nominated for the AMB Award 2026. They were selected from around 50 submissions. The entries reflect a metalworking sector focused on connected processes, automation, digitalisation and resource efficiency. Six awards will be presented during AMB in Stuttgart on 15 and 16 September. AMB, the international exhibition for metalworking, is presenting the award for the second time. Submissions covered seven areas. These included machine tools, production systems, software, automation, measuring technology, components and workshop equipment.
Nominations were made in six categories. The submitted solutions range from machining systems and tooling to AI-supported planning, digital manufacturing software and mist separation. About half of the nominated innovations address digitalisation or automation. The entries include AI-assisted production planning, automated CAM programming and real-time machine networking. They also include automation concepts that combine pallet handling with vision technology and AI. Another recurring theme is the integration of previously separate process stages into one product or system. Resource efficiency is also prominent. The approaches include longer tool life, cooling lubricant recycling and reduced material waste.
Digital systems and automation dominate the field
The nominees in software and digitalisation are autonomIQ technologies with autonomIQ, GMN Paul Müller Industrie with the IDEA-4x solutions toolbox, and Spanflug Technologies with Spanflug MAKE. In automation and materials handling, MartinSystems has been nominated for MaxAI with Intrinsic Intelligence. RoboJob has entered an integrated pallet loading system with vision technology and AI. Zell Systemtechnik has been nominated for the ZELL factory system. The nominations show how digital functions are increasingly linked to production tasks. Rather than operating as isolated software applications, the submitted systems address planning, programming, machine connectivity and workpiece handling.
The automation entries similarly combine handling technology with digital capabilities. These include vision systems and AI. According to AMB, this integration is a central feature of more than a quarter of the submitted products. Combining individual process steps can simplify system structures. It can also support more consistent production workflows. The jury will assess technological innovation, efficiency, sustainability, user-friendliness, aesthetics and design.
Machine, tooling and measurement nominees
In machine tools and production systems, the nominated products are BMF’s TWISTER blasting system, INDEX’s TRAUB MS12-4 multi-spindle CNC sliding and fixed-headstock turning machine, and YCM Technology’s GX85 gantry-type five-axis vertical machining centre. The tooling nominees are CERATIZIT with MaxiTurn EcoPeel, Hartmetall-Werkzeugfabrik Paul Horn with the modular PCD end mill DM 40, and ZECHA with the MARLIN/971P Micro. In measuring systems and quality assurance, Helmut Diebold has been nominated for its DSP digital clamping force tester. Renishaw has entered the Equator-X absolute measurement device for direct use in the production environment.
The remaining nominations cover parts, components and operating materials. They include 3nine’s VERA oil and emulsion mist separator, HIWIN’s TM-5 torque motor and Parfaite Tool’s tool holder solution for high-efficiency machining. Together, these entries show that innovation is not limited to complete machines or software platforms. Components, operating equipment and application-specific tools can also influence productivity, sustainability and process reliability. The nominated products will be displayed at AMB in the Area of AMB Award Nominees at Entrance East, stand EO120. The winners in software, automation and components will be announced on 15 September. The awards for machine tools, tooling, measuring systems and quality assurance will follow on 16 September.
