New MassRobotics award to honor female robotics researchers

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MassRobotics, a leading robotics innovation organization, announced a call for nominations for The Robotics Medal, a new annual award presented to a female researcher for substantial achievements and contributions in the field of robotics.

The Robotics Medal is the world’s first major prize to recognize the wide-ranging impact of female researchers around the development of robotics around the globe. The purpose of The Robotics Medal is to inspire and encourage women and other underrepresented groups to participate in shaping the future of the world through robotics.

“Robotics is in need of more female researchers, inventors, thinkers and leaders to move forward the science, engineering and applications of this important field, and to inspire the next generation of roboticists,” said Daniela Rus, roboticist and director of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) at MIT. “The Robotics Medal means more than its generous cash prize and resources at MassRobotics. It reflects the powerful contributions women have made, are making, and will make to this important, vibrant and growing industry.”

The Robotics Medal recipient will be named a MassRobotics Fellow and receive a $50,000 cash prize, access to manufacturing and robotics expertise through the MassRobotics network, along with access to robotics labs and office space at MassRobotics in Boston, including prototyping facilities including 3D printers, CNC, laser-cutter and use of robots from companies such as Mitsubishi, Universal, ABB, MiR, Fanuc and others.

“It’s time to start more widely encouraging, recognizing, and supporting women in robotics,” said Joyce Sidopoulos, co-founder of MassRobotics. “MassRobotics is proud to have created this award and fellowship to honor and support a female researcher who is making a substantial contribution to the field of robotics.”

The Robotics Medal recipient will be selected by MassRobotics which will convene a selection committee of robotics experts from around the globe to help determine the winner. Candidates will be evaluated on significance, depth and originality of technical contribution they have made in the overall field of robotics.

Nominations for The Robotics Medal must be submitted using the online nomination form by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on July 15, 2022. Contact [email protected] with questions about the award or the application process.

MassRobotics has created an endowment and welcomes contributions to support future cash prizes for The Robotics Medal. Contact [email protected] to learn about becoming a founding underwriter of The Robotics Medal.

Editor’s Note: MassRobotics is the Strategic Partner of the Robotics Summit & Expo, the world’s leading robotics design and development produced by The Robot Report’s parent company, WTWH Media.