CECIMO Machine Tools Innovation (MTI) Awards 2023

About MTI Awards 2023

The first edition of the Machine Tools Innovation (MTI) Awards took place during the CECIMO Brussels Forum. In collaboration with esteemed partners, EIT Manufacturing, European Factories of the Future Research Association (EFFRA) and European Round Table for Industry (ERT), the MTI Awards aim to spotlight notable contributions within the machine tool sector and showcase best practices that can provide that edge – boosting productivity, growth and profitability. The MTI Awards aim to promote and shape the machine tool sector by spotlighting innovators at the forefront of industry progress. 

Winner and Finalists

The winner of MTI Awards 2023 was Aldakin Automation S.L. with their project on: “Eliminating human exposure to potentially carcinogenic dust and increasing robot performance in machining of composite parts”, represented by Ibai Inziarte, Director of Innovation. The other two finalists were: TRUMPF with their project titled “Remote Operations for Equipment as a Service“, represented by Philipp Humbeck, R&D Manager and Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU with their project on “smartTOOL – energy self-sufficient, sensory tool holder for process monitoring“, represented by Alexander Schuster, Scientist and Project Manager. 

Testimonials

As a finalist in the MTI Awards, TRUMPF’s participation not only underscores the transformative impact of Remote Operations for Equipment as a Service (EaaS), but also provided us with visibility and networking opportunities, allowing us to connect with industry peers and showcasing our innovative solutions, further solidifying our position as leaders in driving manufacturing efficiency and competitiveness.

Philipp Humbeck, R&D Manager, TRUMPF

We participated in the MTI Awards to present ourselves as an institute of applied research and show that we develop innovative technologies for the machine tool industry based on creative, new ideas and transfer them into industrial practice. Besides customized solutions for use cases, Fraunhofer IWU also develops smart systems with a broader range of application like the energy-autonomous, sensor-integrated tool holder “smartTOOL”, that was chosen as a finalist project for the MTI Awards. This participation was a great way to value the contributions of all colleagues working on this project and, of course, motivate them to continue pursuing new and innovative ideas for the future of the machine tool industry. In addition, during the final event we were able to connect with many professionals from renowned companies across Europe and exchange experiences on current trends and challenges in the field of production.

– Alexander Schuster, Scientist and Project Manager, Fraunhofer-Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU