Automation Leaders Honored for Advancing Industrial Robotics Applications
ANN ARBOR, Mich.—Two robotics leaders have been recognized for their contributions to advancing automation and expanding the use of robotics in manufacturing.
The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has named Hiroshi Fujiwara and Robert Little as recipients of the 2026 Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Awards, considered one of the industry’s top honors.
Fujiwara, executive director of the Japan Robot Association, received the leadership award for his role in strengthening collaboration across industry, government and international partners to support robotics development and adoption.
Little, co-founder of ATI Industrial Automation, was recognized for application, reflecting his work in developing end-effector technologies that have enabled manufacturers to deploy robots more effectively. His contributions include advances in robotic tool changers and force/torque sensing, which have expanded flexibility and precision in automated assembly operations.
The awards highlight the importance of both policy leadership and practical engineering in advancing automation, particularly as manufacturers continue to adopt robotics to improve productivity, quality and process control.
The recipients will be honored at a ceremony during the Automate 2026 event in Chicago.
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