The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) has named Rockwell Automation’s autonomous mobile robot (AMR) OTTO, as the winner of the 2025 Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Robotics & Automation.

The Milwaukee-headquartered digital transformation company designed OTTO to automate repetitive and hazardous materials handling tasks. OTTO is able to transport parts, pallets, and supplies across factory floors without worker intervention. 

IFR says transportation and logistics applications were a clear stand out in the global field of professional service robotics. 

In 2024, annual sales rose by 14%, according to the latest World Robotics report by IFR. Transportation and logistics accounted for 52% of all installations.

The other three finalists in the category taken out by Rockwell Automation were an advanced lower-limb rehabilitation robot designed to restore mobility in patients with neurological and musculoskeletal impairments, a robot which reduced dust emissions during production of composite materials and a dual-arm humanoid for industrial inspection.

Susanne Bieller, IERA awards chair and IFR general secretary says: “The winning robot, OTTO, marks a world-changing milestone in the development of autonomous mobile robots”.

The award jury states Rockwell Automation has “created a mature and well-established solution for advancing the development of AMRs for material handling”.

Ryan Gariepy, vice president of robotics at Rockwell Automation, and previous CTO/co-founder at OTTO before its acquisition by Rockwell Automation, adds: “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,” Gariepy adds.