Three Innovative Powerhouses Nominated for the Prestigious HERMES AWARD at HANNOVER MESSE 2025: Spotlight on Igus, Schaeffler, and Siemens

Hannover, Germany – The prestigious HERMES AWARD, one of the most highly regarded industrial accolades worldwide, annually acknowledges groundbreaking innovations at HANNOVER MESSE, the leading trade fair for industrial technology. This year’s awards ceremony, set to take place on March 30, 2025, promises to unveil significant advancements as three leading companies—igus, Schaeffler, and Siemens—vie for the top honor. The award will be presented by Cem Özdemir, Federal Minister of Education and Research, spotlighting products and solutions that exemplify exceptional technological innovation coupled with market viability and cost-effectiveness.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and jury chairman, emphasized the critical role of innovation in addressing current global challenges. He highlighted the rigorous selection process undertaken by the jury, consisting of esteemed experts from politics, business, research, and media, to choose the top three finalists. The nominees, he noted, demonstrate how newly emerging technologies can address real-world problems and provide a significant competitive edge.

Among the nominees, Cologne-based igus introduced the Mobile Shore Power Outlet (iMSPO), a pioneering solution in shoreside power supply for ports. This system offers a mobile and flexible approach by precisely positioning power outlets along a berth for distances up to 400 meters, accommodating ships where needed most. With a roller-supported energy conduit designed for long distances and heavy loads, the system minimizes cable wear and eliminates tripping hazards. Beyond its operational efficiency, the iMSPO stands out for its environmental and economic benefits, notably reducing emissions by avoiding diesel generators and cutting operating costs for port authorities.

Schaeffler, headquartered in Herzogenaurach, earned recognition for its innovative XZU rolling bearing. This new double-row oblique roller bearing matches the connection dimensions of standard cross-roller bearings, thus facilitating a straightforward replacement. Enhancements include a 30% increase in tilt stiffness, a 20% reduction in friction resistance, and a 40% improvement in raceway accuracy. These advancements translate directly into greater efficiency and productivity in various applications, particularly in robotics, assembly automation, and machine tools.

Siemens, based in Munich, was nominated for its AI-supported “Industrial Copilots,” which revolutionize workforce efficiency by automating repetitive tasks. An example is the TIA Portal engineering framework’s Industrial Copilot, which assists over 120,000 professionals worldwide in generating precise, reliable code more swiftly. This suite of tools spans the entire industrial value chain, offering both cloud and on-premises versions to accommodate diverse needs on the shop floor, thereby enabling widespread access to generative AI technologies across numerous companies.

The anticipation surrounding the upcoming HANNOVER MESSE and the announcement of the HERMES AWARD winner underscores the event’s importance as a showcase for innovations that blend technological sophistication with practical business applications. As industries worldwide pivot towards sustainable and efficient practices, the advances demonstrated by this year’s nominees provide valuable insights into the future of industrial technology.

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