Pongbot, Oshkosh Corporation and Niron Magnetics were named CES Innovation Awards 2027 honorees in announcements made separately this week. The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) administers the program, which recognizes design and engineering in consumer technology products ahead of the January trade show.
The honors signal which technologies exhibitors plan to demonstrate at CES 2027, scheduled for January 6–9 in Las Vegas Oshkosh Corporation2. As Automatica has reported, the CTA does not independently test or verify the performance claims of winning products Automatica Press (earlier coverage)5.
Sports and industrial automation
Pongbot said its Aura coaching robot was named an honoree in the sports and fitness category Pongbot1. The company described Aura as a lightweight machine powered by a dedicated AI chip that provides voice-guided cues and performance reports for tennis, pickleball and padel players Pongbot1. Pongbot stated the device weighs 8.9 kg and uses a single mechanical launch-wheel system to accommodate different ball types Pongbot1. The announcement includes no independent test results regarding the accuracy of its computer vision or coaching algorithms.
Oshkosh Corporation announced two honors for its autonomous systems on November 9 Oshkosh Corporation2. The JLG Canvas RO2330, an autonomous drywall finishing robot, received recognition in the construction and industrial tech category Oshkosh Corporation2. Oshkosh said the robot performs repetitive mudding and sanding tasks and allows one operator to manage multiple units Oshkosh Corporation2. The company’s GateBots, designed to automate airport ramp activities such as aircraft guidance and wheel-chock placement, won in the supply and logistics category Oshkosh Corporation2. Oshkosh stated these systems work within its iOPS intelligent operating ecosystem to coordinate ground operations Oshkosh Corporation2. The company plans to feature both technologies in live demonstrations at booth #4641 in the West Hall Oshkosh Corporation2.
Rare-earth-free magnets
Niron Magnetics said its Iron Nitride permanent magnets received an honor in the vehicle tech and advanced mobility category in a November 10 announcement Niron Magnetics3. The company stated the magnets are made from abundant iron and nitrogen, offering an alternative to rare-earth elements used in most high-performance magnets Niron Magnetics3. The announcement does not include independent performance data for the magnets.
Niron listed General Motors, Honda, Stellantis, Samsung and Moog among its customers and partners, noting the list is not limited to those names Niron Magnetics3. The company is building a manufacturing plant in Sartell, Minnesota, anticipated to begin production in late 2027, and plans a second high-volume plant for 2029 with capacity of up to 10,000 tons a year Niron Magnetics3. Niron will exhibit at booth #6652 in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center Niron Magnetics3.
Pongbot’s release said the 2027 program received a record number of submissions, nearly 4,000 Pongbot1. Additional honorees are scheduled to be revealed on January 4 Pongbot1.