# A Review of the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards

- Show: [The Robot Report Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast)
- Published: 2021-06-18
- Length: 1h 00m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2021-06-18-a-review-of-the-rbr50-robotics-innovation-awards
- Listen: https://soundcloud.com/robot-report-podcast/a-review-of-the-rbr50-robotics-innovation-awards

## Summary

Steve Crow, Dan Cara, and Mike Oitsman of WTWH Media's Robotics Group review the 2021 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards, discussing the selection criteria and highlighting nine specific winners. They detail innovations from Qualcomm, BMW Ideal Works, and the University of Michigan/Ford collaboration, while also covering Orica, Teble Aero Robotics, and ULC Technologies. The episode emphasizes the shift toward commercial viability, international representation, and the impact of the pandemic on warehouse automation.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2021-06-18-a-review-of-the-rbr50-robotics-innovation-awards#t=7) Introduction: RBR50 Awards Overview and Judges
- [5:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2021-06-18-a-review-of-the-rbr50-robotics-innovation-awards#t=319) Selection Criteria: Innovation Types and Evaluation Process
- [14:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2021-06-18-a-review-of-the-rbr50-robotics-innovation-awards#t=857) Award Statistics: Internationalization and Categories
- [18:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2021-06-18-a-review-of-the-rbr50-robotics-innovation-awards#t=1111) Dan's Favorites: Qualcomm RB5, BMW Ideal Works, Ford/UMich
- [33:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2021-06-18-a-review-of-the-rbr50-robotics-innovation-awards#t=1989) Mike's Favorites: Orica, Teble Aero Robotics, ULC Technologies
- [41:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2021-06-18-a-review-of-the-rbr50-robotics-innovation-awards#t=2482) Steve's Favorites: American Robotics, NASA JPL, Open Robotics
- [54:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2021-06-18-a-review-of-the-rbr50-robotics-innovation-awards#t=3273) Final Thoughts: Process Improvements and Future Outlook

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Qualcomm (company)
- RB5 (product)
- BMW Ideal Works (company)
- iw.hub (product)
- Ford Motor Company (company)
- University of Michigan (company)
- Orica (company)
- Teble Aero Robotics (company)
- ULC Technologies (company)
- American Robotics (company)
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (company)
- Perseverance Rover (product)
- Ingenuity (product)
- Open Robotics (company)
- ROS (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [246: automatica 2025: Exploring Innovation, Robotics, and Startups Across Bavaria, Germany, and Europe](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-07-15-246-automatica-2025-exploring-innovation-robotics-and-startups-across-bavaria-ge) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [BONUS: Leaders in Robotics, AMRs, and Logistics, Pt. 2 of 2 (brought to you by A3)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2021-11-26-bonus-leaders-in-robotics-amrs-and-logistics-pt-2-of-2-brought-to-you-by-a3) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Leadership Perspectives on Robotics, Highlights from Automate LIVE in Detroit, MI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2023-05-09-leadership-perspectives-on-robotics-highlights-from-automate-live-in-detroit-mi) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [BONUS: Leaders in Machine Vision and Robotics: Live from Boston, Pt. 2 of 2 (brought to you by A3)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2022-12-23-bonus-leaders-in-machine-vision-and-robotics-live-from-boston-pt-2-of-2-brought) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [BONUS: Leaders in Machine Vision and Robotics: Live from Boston, Pt. 1 of 2 (brought to you by A3)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2022-12-20-bonus-leaders-in-machine-vision-and-robotics-live-from-boston-pt-1-of-2-brought) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

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