Maxon wins IHZ Innovation Award 2025 – Robotics drive sets new benchmarks
Sachseln - At the IHZ Innovation Award ceremony 2025 in Sachseln, maxon international ag was honoured for its HEJ 90 drive system. The technology sets new benchmarks in mobile robotics and demonstrates the strong global innovation potential emerging from Central Switzerland.
On 27 November 2025, cutting-edge technology from Central Switzerland took centre stage in Sachseln: maxon international ag received the IHZ Innovation Award 2025. Jury president and Nidwalden Council of States representative Hans Wicki welcomed around 150 guests and praised the host company for its breakthrough in robotics. With the HEJ 90 drive system, maxon demonstrates in impressive fashion how regional innovation can have global impact.
Before the main award was presented, the jury honoured two additional companies with recognition prizes. Dätwyler Schweiz AG received an award for SoftPulse Flex – a new generation of electrodes for wearable neurotechnology devices. The comfortable wearables enable reliable measurement of heart rate, muscle activity or brain signals in everyday use, without gel or shaving the skin. The second prize went to Küchler Technik AG from Kriens for the KÜPS® – Küchler Permanent System. The globally unique self-drilling technology enables safe and long-lasting anchoring in specialist foundation engineering. At its core are a specially developed injection valve and a ribbed threaded tube, which ensure durable corrosion protection and a robust structural outcome.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Innovation Award. In his laudation, Prof. Dr. Marco Hutter of ETH Zurich emphasised that the HEJ 90 paves the way for a new generation of mobile robots. While traditional industrial robots operate in controlled environments, the HEJ 90 is designed for unstructured and unpredictable terrain. High energy efficiency enables longer operating times, exceptional robustness reduces downtime, and advanced control features support the safe navigation of obstacles and uneven ground – with strong potential across industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare and agriculture.
IHZ Director Adrian Derungs hosted the ceremony and encouraged guests to nominate innovative entrepreneurs from Central Switzerland for the 2026 award. The event concluded with a celebratory lunch, providing an opportunity to toast the winners, exchange ideas and strengthen professional networks.
