Libiao Robotics has won a major international warehouse automation award for its AirRob PRO system, after judges praised the technology’s flexibility, scalability and practical value for modern supply chains.
The Hangzhou-based robotics company was named winner of the Robot Warehouse System category at the 2026 International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year Awards.
The IFOY Awards are regarded as one of the leading honours in the global material handling and warehouse automation industry.
The award was presented during the IFOY AWARD Night at the headquarters of software specialist AEB in Stuttgart, Germany.
More than 150 international guests from business, science and the media attended the ceremony.
Libiao was recognised for AirRob PRO, an automated storage and goods-to-person system designed to handle both cartons and totes within a single warehouse solution.
The company says the system builds on its climbing robot technology, helping warehouse operators increase storage density and improve fulfilment efficiency without major changes to existing infrastructure.
Unlike conventional systems, AirRob PRO can handle raw cartons and reusable totes on one platform, removing the need for time-consuming decanting processes.
One of its key features is a pivoting pick arm that can retrieve and deposit loads on either side of a warehouse aisle.
Libiao says this can reduce the number of workstations required and, in some applications, remove the need for them altogether.
The system also uses intelligent vision, adaptable suction technology and integrated conveyor mechanisms to handle products across different sizes and packaging formats.
It has been designed for high-throughput sectors including eCommerce, grocery, fashion, health and beauty, pharmaceuticals and third-party logistics.
Libiao says the system offers customers a scalable automation option that combines flexibility with strong space efficiency.
Ronan Shen, Head of Global Sales at Libiao Robotics, said: “Winning an IFOY Award is an extraordinary honour for everyone at Libiao Robotics.”
He said the IFOY process was recognised across the industry for its “independence, technical rigour and focus on real-world customer benefit”.
Mr Shen added: “At Libiao, we have always challenged conventional thinking around warehouse automation.”
He said companies such as Libiao were helping lead the next generation of intralogistics innovation by developing systems that were more efficient, scalable and adaptable to changing supply chain demands.
Mr Shen said AirRob PRO was created in response to customer feedback and pressures facing warehouse operators globally, including labour shortages, rising costs and limited space.
“To see that innovation recognised by such a prestigious international award is incredibly rewarding,” he said.
He thanked Libiao’s customers, partners and staff for their “passion and commitment” in making the achievement possible.
According to the organisers, the jury particularly praised AirRob PRO’s practical applicability, scalability and clear customer benefits.
The jury also highlighted the system’s combination of transport and picking functions, its gripper technology and its ability to automate existing warehouse infrastructure efficiently.
Organisers said AirRob PRO “sets new benchmarks for flexible warehouse automation and ranks among the most innovative robotics solutions in this year’s competition”.
Libiao said its AirRob technology has already been deployed in logistics operations around the world.
The systems are being used by retailers, third-party logistics providers and parcel operators seeking greater flexibility and efficiency in fulfilment.
The IFOY Awards are judged by an independent international jury representing leading logistics media across 19 countries.
A total of 49 products and solutions were entered into the 2026 competition.
Of those, 17 qualified for the final multi-stage IFOY Audit before undergoing further assessment by the jury.