At Automation World (AW) 2026, the spotlight was firmly on the “physical AI” era—where artificial intelligence moves beyond software and starts reshaping real-world factories, equipment, and safety systems. One of the event’s biggest talking points came from the Media Pick Awards, hosted by global news network Aving News, which recognized the most promising technologies poised to accelerate industrial transformation.
With competition running high, a wide range of innovators were interviewed and closely assessed for real-world impact, scalability, and the ability to deliver measurable improvements on the factory floor. From that competitive lineup, three companies ultimately rose to the top: MakinaRocks, Impactive AI, and emCT.
Each of the award winners was recognized for solutions that could help redefine the future of global manufacturing—especially as industries push for smarter automation, higher efficiency, and stronger safety standards. Collectively, the three picks reflect a clear direction for industrial AI in 2026 and beyond: practical systems that can operate in complex physical environments, reduce risk, and deliver reliable performance where it matters most.
By naming MakinaRocks, Impactive AI, and emCT as the top three Media Picks, the AW 2026 awards signal growing momentum behind next-generation automation and AI-driven safety—technologies that could play a major role in how factories modernize worldwide.
