The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) announced two longtime industry pioneers as the winners of the 2025 Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Awards, the world’s most prestigious robotics honor.
Stuart "Stu" C. Shepherd, Co-Founder and President of Shepherd Solutions Inc., was selected as the winner for his distinguished industry leadership. He will be recognized for more than 46 years transforming manufacturing in the Americas through robotic automation and capital equipment-related new business development, including past service as chairperson of both the Robotics Industries Association (RIA), now A3, and the Association for Advancing Automation (A3).
Dr. Peter Corke, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Queensland University of Technology, was selected as this year’s award winner in the education category for his impact in robotics education and research, including the creation of the widely used open-source “Robotics Toolbox” software, authoring the bestselling textbook “Robotics, Vision, and Control,” and developing the Robot Academy online video resource.
The Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Awards are named after the late Joseph F. Engelberger, known throughout the world as the founding force behind industrial robotics. Since 1977, these awards have been given to 141 robotics leaders from around the world for excellence in technology development, application, education and leadership.
The winners are selected by a panel of industry leaders based on all present and past nominations from the industry and are voted on by the past chairs of the RIA. A3 administers the award, and each winner receives a $5,000 honorarium, a commemorative medallion and a plaque.
“This year’s Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Awards honorees have dedicated their lives to our industry, and so many of us have benefitted from their contributions,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of A3. “Stu’s leadership and foresight over the past 46 years have been instrumental in transforming manufacturing. Peter’s educational resources and research have shaped the work of robotics engineers for many years and led to immeasurable industry advancements.”
Awards Dinner
An awards dinner will take place at Automate 2025, the leading showcase for the robotics and automation industry in North America. It will take place May 14 from 5:15 to 8:30 p.m. at Huntington Place. Tickets for the event, which include a cocktail reception and dinner, may be purchased when registering for Automate 2025.
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