Hiroshi Fujiware (left) and Robert Little (right) are the 2026 Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Award winners. | Credit: A3
The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has announced Hiroshi Fujiwara and Robert Little as the 2026 recipients of the Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Awards, which honor outstanding leadership and real-world application in the field.
Fujiwara, who serves as executive director of the Japan Robot Association (JARA), was recognized for his long-standing efforts in shaping strategic policy and fostering global partnerships. Robert Little, co-founder of ATI Industrial Automation, was celebrated for his groundbreaking work in robotic end-effector technology.
Both honorees will be formally recognized at the Automate 2026 event, joining a distinguished group of innovators who have shaped the evolution of modern automation. The awards ceremony will take place during a special dinner on Wednesday, June 24, at McCormick Place in Chicago.
“Robotics progresses because of individuals who envision what’s achievable and then dedicate themselves to making it practical, useful, and scalable,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of A3. “Hiroshi Fujiwara has played a key role in strengthening one of the world’s leading robotics ecosystems by building bridges between industry, government, and international markets.”
“Robert Little has spent his career enabling manufacturers to deploy robots more effectively, equipping companies with the tools and technologies needed to automate with greater flexibility and confidence,” he continued. “Together, they embody the mission and spirit of the Engelberger Awards, and both are truly deserving of this honor.”
Little drives broader use of robotics in manufacturing
With over 40 years of experience in robotics, automation, and manufacturing, Little co-founded ATI Industrial Automation in 1989 and helped scale the company from around $1 million to more than $100 million in annual revenue.
Under his guidance, ATI emerged as a global leader in robotic tool changers, force/torque sensors, and other end-effector solutions—significantly expanding how robots are used in real-world production environments.
After Novanta acquired ATI in 2021, Little served as president of Novanta’s ATI business unit and later as chief robotics strategy officer. Today, he advises robotics and automation firms through his consultancy, Robert Little Robotics, and contributes to industry strategy as a member of the A3 Robotics Technology Strategy Board.
In an interview with The Robot Report, the Engelberger award recipient shared that he plans to use his elevated platform to advocate for reliability, reshoring, and physical AI as critical factors in determining whether North America can reclaim its industrial leadership—or risk falling behind.
“There’s growing pressure to reshore production,” Little explained. “Companies want to manufacture locally—whether it’s in the U.S. for the U.S. market or in France for Europe. These customers depend on automation to succeed.”
“We’re facing a persistent labor shortage—one that won’t improve and will likely worsen,” he added. “While government support isn’t always consistent, A3’s push for a national robotics policy is a crucial step. More demand for automation means more opportunities for innovation and growth across the robotics sector.”
Little expressed strong optimism about the future of robotics in the United States.
“Robots were invented and first built here in the U.S.,” he noted. “Japan deserves tremendous credit for embracing the technology early. They implemented a national strategy declaring, ‘This is transformative—we will lead the world.’ And they did. They still do.”
“In contrast, the U.S. was initially skeptical and slow to adopt robotics, which cost us ground in manufacturing and R&D,” Little reflected. “But we didn’t lose everything. For instance, FANUC continues to manufacture its paint robots in the U.S. and even exports them to China.”
Fujiwara promotes robotics through international cooperation
Since becoming executive director of JARA in 2009, Fujiwara has led strategic initiatives and policy advocacy for Japan’s robotics sector. In this capacity, he has worked to strengthen collaboration among industry leaders, government bodies, and global partners to advance innovation in both industrial and service robotics.
Prior to joining JARA, Fujiwara held senior roles at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), where he retired in 2009 after nearly 30 years. His work there spanned industrial policy, technology development, economic security, support for small businesses, and international trade.
He has also held leadership positions at the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). Additionally, Fujiwara contributed to cross-sector collaboration while working at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Tokyo Institute of Technology.
About the Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Awards
Established in honor of Joseph F. Engelberger—widely known as the father of robotics—the Engelberger Awards have celebrated pioneering leaders in robotics since 1977. The awards recognize excellence in technology development, application, education, and leadership.
Each recipient receives a $5,000 honorarium, a commemorative medallion, and a plaque. Winners are chosen by a panel of industry experts based on current and historical nominations, with final selections approved by past chairs of A3 and the Robotic Industries Association (RIA).
