For the second time, the AMB, International Exhibition for Metalworking, is awarding the AMB Award, honoring outstanding product innovations in metal cutting.
In 2026, around 50 companies once again submitted their current innovations in seven categories to an independent expert jury – from precision tools to automation solutions to software and measurement technology. The range of submissions reflects the innovative spirit of an industry that thinks in all directions: new machining processes, more efficient processes, and more sustainable solutions.
SSeven categories, each with one goal: the best innovation
New products could be submitted in the categories of Machine Tools and Manufacturing Systems, Precision Tools, Measurement Technology and Quality Assurance, Software and Digitalization, Automation and Handling Technology, Components, Assemblies, and Operating Materials, as well as Services, Storage, and Workshop Equipment. In six categories, 17 companies are now nominated for the AMB Award 2026. The list of nominees can be found at the end of this announcement.
Submissions reflect industry challenges
Among the 17 nominees, a clear picture of the industry emerges. Around half of the submissions address digitalization or automation – from AI-supported production planning and automated CAM programming to real-time networking of machines and systems. In more than a quarter of the products, system integration plays a central role: process steps that previously occurred separately are combined in one product. Resource efficiency is also a design principle running through the submissions, for example, through the extension of tool service lives, the recovery of cutting fluids, or the reduction of material waste.
Independent jury evaluates based on clear criteria
The nominated companies are evaluated by an independent expert jury composed of representatives from the three sponsoring associations as well as academia: Markus Heseding (VDMA Precision Tools), Dr. Alexander Broos (VDW, Association of German Machine Tool Manufacturers), Thomas Riegler (VDMA Software and Digitalization), Willi Wünschel (PTW – Institute for Production Management, Technology and Machine Tools at TU Darmstadt), and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hans-Christian Möhring (IfW – Institute for Machine Tools at the University of Stuttgart). The jury evaluates based on criteria that consider technological innovation as well as economic efficiency, sustainability, user-friendliness – but also aesthetics and design.
The multitude of applications for the AMB Award and the diversity of the award winners impressively demonstrate how dynamic and innovative our industry is. As a jury member, it has been a particular pleasure to see how solutions are also being developed in detail areas of applications that one initially does not think of. This is especially exciting because they provide their own important contribution to increasing competitiveness, productivity, and sustainability,” summarizes Dr. Alexander Broos, Head of Research and Technology at VDW.
Area of AMB Award Nominees and award ceremony on the AMB Stage
The 17 nominated companies will be represented throughout the entire duration of the fair at the 'Area of AMB Award Nominees' in Entrance East (Stand EO120) with a poster exhibition. The exhibition offers all professional visitors the opportunity to grasp the submitted innovations at a glance. For the nominated companies, it is an exclusive stage away from their own exhibition stand.
The award ceremonies for the following six categories will take place on the first two days of the fair on the AMB Stage in the Atrium:
• Tuesday, September 15, 2026: Software and Digitalization; Automation and Handling Technology; Components, Assemblies, and Operating Materials
• Wednesday, September 16, 2026: Machine Tools and Manufacturing Systems; Precision Tools; Measurement Technology and Quality Assurance
Innovation, young talent, and creativity: The supporting program of the AMB
The AMB Award is embedded in a supporting program that specifically highlights different perspectives on innovation. The Start-up Area at Entrance East provides a compact overview of new approaches from young companies. In the special exhibition Education of the Young Talent Foundation for Mechanical Engineering, young professionals can experience technology on-site – CNC, automation, and digital production processes can be tried out live. And with the competition 'Art Meets Technology', a creative format returns that will be under the new claim 'Where metal comes alive' in 2026.
Nominated for the AMB Award 2026
The following 17 companies have been nominated for the AMB Award 2026 by the jury:
• Machine Tools and Manufacturing Systems: BMF GmbH – Bernstein Mechanical Manufacturing, INDEX-Werke GmbH & Co.KG, YCM Technology (Europe) GmbH
• Precision Tools: CERATIZIT S.A., Hartmetall-Werkzeugfabrik Paul Horn GmbH, ZECHA Hartmetall-Werkzeugfabrikation GmbH
• Measurement Technology and Quality Assurance: Helmut Diebold GmbH & Co. Goldring-Werkzeugfabrik, Renishaw GmbH
• Software and Digitalization: autonomIQ technologies GmbH, GMN Paul Müller Industrie, Spanflug Technologies GmbH
• Automation and Handling Technology: MartinSystems GmbH, RoboJob NV, Zell Systemtechnik GmbH
• Components, Assemblies, and Operating Materials: 3nine AB, HIWIN GmbH, Parfaite Tool Co., Ltd.
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