Inaugural awards / 2027

RobotDesignAwards

Recognizing excellence in
human–robot design.

Get updates ↘
RDA—001 NEW YORK
01 / Why

Machines are entering human space.

Robots are moving beyond factories and laboratories into workplaces, hospitals, public spaces, schools, and homes.

Their capabilities matter.

So does their design.

The Robot Design Awards recognize the people, products, and ideas defining how humans will experience the robotic world.

MoveSpeakRespondShare space
02 / Categories

Five ways robotics
is being designed.

01Robot Design+

Physical form, materials, function, and industrial design.

  • Humanoid
  • Quadruped & Mobile
  • Social & Companion
  • Industrial & Service
02Robot Experience+

How humans interact with, understand, and experience robots.

  • Interaction
  • Voice & Conversation
  • Movement & Behavior
  • Interface
03Open Robotics+

Open projects advancing the robotics ecosystem.

  • Open Robot
  • Open Hardware
  • Open Software
  • Open AI & Tools
04Robotics Education+

The people and programs preparing the next generation.

  • Educator
  • University Program
  • K–12 Program
  • Community Learning
05Brand & Digital+

How robotics companies communicate their technology to the world.

  • Website
  • Brand Identity
  • Launch & Campaign
  • Film & Storytelling
03 / The standard

What makes a robot
well designed?

Entries will be evaluated through a multidisciplinary framework considering the complete relationship between robots, people, and the environments they share.

The inaugural judging framework will be announced ahead of the 2027 awards.

Form / Interaction / Communication / Movement / Presence / Accessibility / Trust / Recovery / Usability / Responsibility
04 / Participation

Built across
disciplines.

Robotics companies01
Design studios02
Startups03
Universities04
Research labs05
Educators06
Independent creators07

Commercial products, prototypes, research initiatives, educational programs, open projects, and design work will be eligible for recognition.

Eligibility details coming soon.
05 / Jury

Different disciplines.
One question.

What does good robot design look like?

01

Jury member
to be announced

02

Jury member
to be announced

03

Jury member
to be announced

04

Jury member
to be announced

05

Jury member
to be announced

06

Jury member
to be announced

07

Jury member
to be announced

08

Jury member
to be announced

Interested in joining the founding jury? ↗
06 / 2027
2027
01

September 2026

Award initiative announced

02

Fall 2026

Founding jury announced

03

Early 2027

Entries open

04

Spring 2027

Finalists announced

05

2027

Inaugural awards

Stay informed / 2027

Help define what good
robot design looks like.

The inaugural Robot Design Awards arrive in 2027.