AMB, the international exhibition for metalworking, has received around 50 submissions for the second edition of the AMB Award. The award recognises new products and technologies that are helping advance metal cutting through improved productivity, automation, digitalisation and resource efficiency.
The submissions cover seven areas, including machine tools and production systems, precision tools, measuring systems and quality assurance, software and digitalisation, automation and materials handling, parts and components, as well as services and workshop solutions. Following an evaluation by an independent expert jury, 17 companies have been shortlisted across six award categories.
The range of entries reflects the changing needs of the metalworking industry. Around half of the submitted solutions focus on digitalisation or automation. These include AI-supported production planning, automated CAM programming and systems that connect machines and production equipment in real time.
System integration is another major focus. More than a quarter of the submitted products combine production steps that were previously carried out separately. Resource efficiency is also gaining importance, with several solutions designed to increase tool life, recycle cooling lubricants and reduce material consumption.
The independent jury is assessing the nominated products on technological innovation, efficiency, sustainability, user-friendliness, aesthetics and design. The jury includes representatives from the VDMA Precision Tools Association, the German Machine Tool Builders’ Association (VDW), the VDMA Software and Digitalisation Association, TU Darmstadt and the University of Stuttgart.
Dr Alexander Broos, Head of Research and Technology at the VDW, said the strong response to the award demonstrates the industry’s ability to develop solutions that improve competitiveness, productivity and sustainability. He added that many innovations also address specific application-level challenges that can make a significant difference to production performance.
The 17 nominees will be presented throughout AMB 2026 at the “Area of AMB Award Nominees” in Entrance East, Stand EO120. The display will allow visitors to review the shortlisted innovations during the five-day exhibition. The award ceremonies will take place on the AMB Stage in the Atrium. Awards for software and digitalisation, automation and materials handling systems, and parts, components and operating materials will be presented on September 15. The following day, September 16, awards will be presented for machine tools and production systems, precision tools, and measuring systems and quality assurance.
The 17 nominated companies are BMF, INDEX-Werke and YCM Technology in machine tools; CERATIZIT, Paul Horn and ZECHA in precision tools; Helmut Diebold and Renishaw in measuring systems; autonomIQ technologies, GMN and Spanflug Technologies in software; MartinSystems, RoboJob and Zell Systemtechnik in automation; and 3nine, HIWIN and Parfaite Tool in parts, components and operating materials.
Since 1982, AMB has showcased the highlights and latest developments in the international metalworking industry. Held under the theme “Where metal comes alive,” AMB 2026 will take place from 15 to 19 September 2026, making it a key event on this year’s industry calendar.
AMB serves as a leading marketplace and meeting point for the metal-cutting industry, bringing together the latest products, technologies, innovations, services and concepts from across the sector. The event is supported by three prominent industry associations: the VDMA Precision Tools Association, the VDMA Software and Digitalisation Association, and the German Machine Tool Builders’ Association (VDW).
