Agile Robots and Franka Robotics are Sponsors of the RIG Heroes Awards Night – Prof Gerd Hirzinger Honored as First Recipient of RIG Pioneer Award

Munich, March 13, 2026 – Agile Robots and Franka Robotics, both spin-offs of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and main sponsors of the RIG Heroes Award Night, congratulate Prof Dr Hirzinger. At the 2nd German Robotics Conference (GRC), the Robotics Institute Germany (RIG) honored the renowned scientist as the first recipient of the RIG Pioneer Award for his lifetime achievement in robotics research.

Prof. Dr. Hirzinger is recognized worldwide as one of the most influential scientists in the fields of robotics and automation. Over decades, he laid essential groundwork at DLR that continues to be applied in industrial robotics systems, space robotics, and AI-driven automation to this day. His research has not only set technological benchmarks but has also shaped a generation of scientists who are now at the forefront of the global robotics industry. The RIG honored Prof. Dr. Hirzinger with the newly created RIG Pioneer Award for his life's work in robotics research at this year's GRC during the RIG Heroes Award Night. Following the award ceremony, the award was renamed the Hirzinger Award in honor of its inaugural recipient.

For Dr. Zhaopeng Chen, CEO of Agile Robots SE, the award holds a special personal significance: “Gerd Hirzinger didn't simply build robots – he was always a pioneer in his field. His ability to connect fundamental research with a vision for real-world applications remains an inspiration to all of us. I am truly delighted that he is now being recognized with this award.”

Agile Robots and Franka Robotics have their roots in the Bavarian research ecosystem and see the bridge between academic excellence and industrial application as a central driver of innovation. "Scientific findings must flow into industry – and practical experience must feed back into research. Only in this way can we maintain the pace of innovation that our times demand," said Chen.

The 2nd German Robotics Conference (GRC) takes place from March 11 to 13, 2026 in Cologne, bringing together leading voices from academia, politics, business, and startups. The goal of the conference, organized by the Robotics Institute Germany (RIG), is to strengthen the exchange between research, innovation, and technology transfer, and to collectively shape the future of robotics in Germany.