The winners of the 16th Innovation Awards were announced on the fourth day of the BIEMH International Machine Tool Exhibition, recognising companies for their technological innovation across multiple manufacturing sectors. The awards ceremony was co-organised by AFM Cluster and the Bilbao Exhibition Centre.
In the machine tools, components, accessories and tools category, the award was jointly presented to IBARMIA and ZAYER. In additive manufacturing and 3D printing, the award went to SICNOVA.
The digitalisation category was won by Lantek, while Soraluce received the award in the automation category. The newly introduced award for the most innovative exhibition proposal presented by an importer was awarded to Intermaher.
The ceremony was hosted by comedian Óscar Terol and attended by several industry leaders, including José Pérez Berdud, Xabier Ortueta, Xabier Basañez and Mª Carmen Gorostiza.
The jury, comprising representatives from organisations such as Mondragon Unibertsitatea, University of Navarra and University of the Basque Country, evaluated entries based on technological innovation, sustainability, safety, as well as design and communication.
The innovation award in machine tools, components, accessories and tools was granted jointly to two companies: IBARMIA and ZAYER.
On the one hand, IBARMIA was recognised for its machine “IBARMIA ZMS4_15.08 EXTREME with automated pallet changer”, which the jury praised for its integration of elements related to automating complementary machine operations, such as loading and unloading parts and tools.
On the other hand, the award for ZAYER was given for its “TEBAS G2000 bridge-type multifunction machining centre”, which the jury highlighted as a robust and multifunctional solution with an outstanding design.
The Innovation Award in additive manufacturing and 3D printing was granted to SICNOVA for its software solution “ArmIA3D: intelligent safety in additive manufacturing.” The jury wished to recognise the complexity involved in training a 3D model using AI to identify the intent behind the product being manufactured.
The jury decided to divide the innovation award in digitalisation and automation in advanced manufacturing environments into two subcategories: automation and digitalisation.
Thus, the innovation award in automation in advanced manufacturing environments was given to SORALUCE for its “Intelligent automation solutions.” The jury emphasised that it is a highly innovative solution considering the size of the part to be handled and the precision achieved.
Meanwhile, the innovation award in digitalisation went to LANTEK for its platform “LANTEK 360 Smart Factory.” The jury valued it as a global solution capable of connecting different machines with different CNCs, from different manufacturers and production years.
Additionally, as a new feature in this edition, a new category has been introduced recognising the most innovative exhibition proposal presented by an importer. The award went to INTERMAHER. The jury highlighted the coherence of the proposal with its own exhibition narrative, materialised in a stand designed as a simulation of a connected plant incorporating digital solutions that integrate advanced smart factory concepts.
