The RoboSoft 2026 Fabrication Award, organized by 3D Printing Doctor and proudly sponsored by Prusa Research, celebrates outstanding innovation in soft robotics research that leverages advanced 3D printing technologies. This award highlights research teams that integrate additive manufacturing methods into the design and fabrication of their conference demonstration. We encourage participants to showcase how advanced additive manufacturing enhances performance, functionality, and design innovation in soft robotic systems.
Participation and Eligibility
ZooQuarium presentations and poster presentations with live demonstrations are automatically eligible for this award. However, presenters may opt out in advance by clearly displaying signage that prohibits photography and video recording.
Eligibility Requirements:
- The research demo must incorporate at least one 3D printing method as part of its fabrication process.
- The demo must be physically presented and fully operational at the RoboSoft 2026 conference.
- All demo participants must sign and submit consent for social media video publication of their research project.
Teams that do not submit signed consent will not be eligible to compete.
Awards
Winners will receive the following prizes, including an FDM 3D printer, generously provided by Prusa:
- 1st Place: Prusa CORE One (Large)
- 2nd Place: Prusa CORE One
- 3rd Place: Prusa MK4S
We invite all RoboSoft 2026 demo presenters utilizing 3D printing methods to participate and demonstrate how fabrication innovation is advancing the field of soft robotics.
Evaluation Criteria
Entries will be evaluated live by a designated jury based on the following criteria:
- Fabrication Innovation (30%)
- Originality and sophistication of the 3D printing approach
- Novel use of materials, multi-material printing, or hybrid fabrication strategies
- Advancement beyond conventional or standard printing applications
- Integration of Additive Manufacturing (25%)
- How essential 3D printing is to the functionality of the system
- Degree to which additive manufacturing enables capabilities that would otherwise be difficult or impossible
- Design-for-additive-manufacturing considerations
- Technical Quality and Performance (20%)
- Functionality, robustness, and reliability of the live demonstration
- Engineering execution and build quality
- Experimental validation or performance metrics
- Design and Creativity (15%)
- Elegance and thoughtfulness of mechanical and system design
- Creative problem-solving
- Aesthetic and structural coherence
- Impact and Relevance (10%)
- Contribution to the advancement of soft robotics
- Practical, scientific, or societal significance
- Potential for future development or real-world application
- Presentation skills
