IFOY AWARD starts 2027 application phase

Ismaning near Munich, June 1, 2026. The IFOY AWARD is entering a new round for 2027 earlier than in previous years: The applicant portal of the International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) AWARD is now open. Intralogistics and robotics companies worldwide can apply until September 25, 2026 with new products, solutions and projects for one of the industry’s most prestigious awards.

Those who make it to the final go through the three-stage IFOY Audit consisting of the IFOY Test, a scientific Innovation Check and a jury review by renowned trade journalists from 18 nations. The innovations are not compared directly with one another, but are each evaluated in the context of their market environment.

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the IFOY Audit is returning to its traditional scheduling and will take place on January 26 and 27, 2027 as part of the TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS at Messe Dortmund. The audit thus once again marks the start of the intralogistics year. The IFOY AWARD presentation ceremony is planned for spring 2027.
A total of eight award categories are available, covering the full spectrum of modern intralogistics – from forklifts and warehouse technology equipment to robot-controlled storage systems, software and components, through to integrated customer projects. Innovations in crane and lifting technology are also recognized. A particular focus is placed on mobile and stationary robotics, which traditionally attracts the largest field of applicants. Technological details such as ergonomic solutions, safety innovations and efficiency tools for warehousing and material flow are also honored.

In 2027, a dedicated award will once again be presented to start-ups: The IFOY Start-up of the Year Award is aimed at young companies with forward-looking products, prototypes or services for intralogistics.

Applications for both awards must be submitted exclusively online via the applicant portal at www.ifoy.org. The application deadline is September 25, 2026.

New IFOY website with extensive test database

Right on time for the start of the application phase, the IFOY AWARD website at www.ifoy.org is presenting itself in a new design. The centerpiece is a new test database containing all IFOY Tests and Innovation Checks from previous years, which can be searched by company, year and category.

Also new is the IFOY MGZN blog. Going forward, it will bring together news, background information and opinions on the IFOY AWARD and report on innovations and trends in the intralogistics industry.

The IFOY AWARD is held under the patronage of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. It is supported by the VDMA Materials Handling and Intralogistics Association and the VDMA Robotics + Automation Association. Partners include Messe Dortmund, Cascade as a leading manufacturer of attachments, LTG as logistics partner and AEB SE as event partner.

IFOY AWARD 2027: Category Overview

Industrial Truck
Forklift trucks and industrial trucks that lift, move or stack loads – from mainly manual pallet trucks to heavy counterbalance trucks. This includes:
• Counter Balanced Truck
All types of counterbalanced trucks up to 8 tons.
• Heavy Load Forklift and Special Vehicle
Forklifts/vehicles for special tasks, special vehicle construction, drones, cargo bikes, truck-mounted/container stackers, heavy-duty forklifts over 8 tons.
• Warehouse Truck “highlifter”
Warehouse trucks from 2nd rack level upwards, such as high-bay, narrow-aisle and reach trucks, pedestrian-controlled highlifters, order pickers, etc.
• Warehouse Truck “lowlifter”
Predominantly manual warehouse technology equipment up to approx. 1st shelf level such as pedestrian-controlled low lift trucks, tugger trains, horizontal order pickers, etc.

Mobile Robot
Mobile autonomous or automated robots, such as AGVs, AMRs, mobile cobots, robots for the automatic unloading and loading of trucks, shuttle (systems), automated industrial trucks, etc.

Stationary Robot / Robot Warehouse System
Automated warehouse systems, stationary robot-supported solutions for intralogistics applications such as palletizing and depalletizing, cobots, picking robots, etc.

Intralogistics Software
Apps and intralogistics system or software solutions in the context of the application possibilities, such as warehouse management systems, forklift control systems, driver assistance systems, fleet management systems etc.

Integrated Customer Solution
Warehouse automation solution successfully implemented at a specific customer, greenfield and brownfield projects.

Special of the Year
Components or technical equipment that significantly improves economic efficiency, sustainability or the physical or mental conditions for the user, such as ergonomic innovations, safety assistance solutions, automation solutions, drive technologies, warehouse aids, forklift attachments etc.

Crane and Lifting Technologies
Cranes for various applications, such as gantry and bridge cranes, bracket and wall travelling cranes, slewing cranes, suspension cranes, light cranes, etc. Lifting equipment for various applications, such as chain and rope hoists, winches, magnetic and vacuum lifters, lifting tables and working platforms etc.

IFOY Start-up of the Year
With the spin-off award IFOY Start-up of the Year, the award organization honors innovative technologies and new developments of founders. Start-ups are independent companies that have been on the market for no longer than five years, employ fewer than 30 people and generate annual sales of less than three million euros.