The 2026 GeekWire Awards will honor advancements in technology with the finalists for Hardware/Robotics/Physical AI of the Year. This category features five innovative companies, including AIM Intelligent Machines, Augmodo, Brinc, Orbital Robotics, and Starfish Space. The awards ceremony is scheduled for May 7 at the Showbox SoDo in Seattle.
AIM Intelligent Machines focuses on retrofitting heavy machinery like bulldozers for autonomous operation, utilizing advanced sensors and edge computing to create 3D maps for navigation. Recently, they secured $4.9 million in contracts from the U.S. Air Force for defense projects. The company, founded in 2021 and led by CEO Adam Sadilek, raised $50 million in funding last year and has roots in major tech firms.
Meanwhile, Augmodo's Smartbadge devices assist retail employees by employing computer vision to monitor inventory in real-time. This technology aims to offer a cost-effective solution compared to traditional robotic scanners. Founded in 2023, the Seattle startup is on the rise in the tech community.
The finalists were selected by independent judges from community nominations, and the public is invited to participate in the voting process until April 16.