Rethinking packaging - with the help of robotics: Apply now for the KUKA Innovation Award 2026
Packaging is a key element of our modern economy – and the industry is facing radical change in this area. How can robotics help to make packaging more sustainable? KUKA is looking for creative and innovative ideas in the new round of its Innovation Award.
July 22, 2025
The packaging industry is undergoing change: the new EU Packaging Regulation and changing demands for efficiency and sustainability mean significant changes for companies. This change can only succeed with modern concepts and solutions. That is why the KUKA Innovation Award 2026 has the motto “Circular Packaging Challenge.”
“New technologies in robotics and artificial intelligence open up countless possibilities for the packaging industry, whether it's recycling, waste prevention, or completely redesigning the entire packaging process,” says Volker Schmirgel, Head of the KUKA Innovation and Technology Center. “We are looking for bright minds and young talents who can look to the future and present us with their ideas on how robots can be used in the packaging of consumer goods.” We are looking for ideas that cover the entire life cycle, from packaging products in manufacturing to the recycling process.
And this is how it works
Teams from all over the world can submit their ideas until the end of August. An international jury will select the best concepts. These finalist teams will be able to turn their ideas into reality with a KUKA robot provided free of charge, which can be upgraded with a Roboception 3D vision system and KUKA software. KUKA experts will also support the finalists in the implementation process.
The finalist teams will present their applications to an international audience of experts at the leading packaging trade fair interpack in May 2026, directly at the KUKA booth. There, the jury will select the winner of the innovation award, which is endowed with 20,000 euros.
About the KUKA Innovation Award
New technologies in robotics open up countless possibilities for business, industry, and our daily lives. With this robotics competition, KUKA aims to promote talent, accelerate innovation, and strengthen the transfer of technology from research to industry. The KUKA Innovation Award is aimed at developers, graduates, and research teams from companies or universities.
