With all of the region’s strength in cloud technologies and enterprise software, the technology industry in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest traditionally isn’t known for hardware and device innovations.
But there are plenty of exceptions to the rule, as demonstrated by this year’s finalists for Hardware/Gadget of the Year in the GeekWire Awards: the Artly robotic barista; BRINC Drones‘ Lemur 2 drone; Carbon Robotics‘ LaserWeeder; 3D printer company Glowforge‘s AI image generator; and RipeLocker‘s food preserving containers.
Regular readers of our GeekWire Awards previews will notice a recurring theme: As is the case across many of the GeekWire Awards this year, several of the innovations in this category are driven by advances in artificial intelligence, automation, or robotics.
This category recognizes innovative engineering and an exemplary user experience in hardware and devices, making a unique mark on the technology landscape during the past year.
Last year’s winner was Pallet, an Everett, Wash., social purpose corporation that is working to address homelessness with shelters made of easy-to-assemble hard plastic panels.
The GeekWire Awards recognize the top innovators and companies in Pacific Northwest technology. Finalists in this category and others were selected based on community nominations, along with input from GeekWire Awards judges. Community voting across all categories will continue until May 1, combined with feedback from judges to determine the winner in each category.
We'll announce the winners on May 18 at the GeekWire Awards, presented by Astound Business Solutions. There are a limited number of table sponsorships available to attend the event. Contact our events team at events@geekwire.com for more information.
Submit your votes here or below and keep scrolling for descriptions of each finalist for Hardware/Gadget of the Year.
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Artly: This startup has developed an AI-powered machine that it claims makes a “perfect cup of coffee every time,” using computer vision algorithms to guide a robotic arm and monitor drink quality.
- Related story: Robotic coffee barista maker led by ex-AWS engineer raises $8.3M to open more retail locations
Brinc Drones: Brinc manufactures tactical unmanned aerial vehicles and equipment for public safety missions. Its Lemur 2 boasts an onboard sensor for producing 3D maps, and an advanced obstacle avoidance system.
- Related story: Drone startup Brinc prepares for take off with ex-Amazon engineers and geopolitical tailwinds
Carbon Robotics: This startup’s self-driving robot uses artificial intelligence to identify weeds growing in fields of vegetables, then zaps them with precision thermal bursts from lasers.
Glowforge: The 3D printer maker’s Magic Canvas image generator uses AI to create digital artwork from a single line of text, and formats the image for engraving on a variety of objects via its 3D printers.
RipeLocker: This company’s patented containers preserve the shelf-life of produce or flowers by managing atmospheric pressure and gas composition.
- Related story: RipeLocker, which sells containers that preserve food and flowers, raises $7.5M to boost production
Thanks to gold-level and category sponsors: Wilson Sonsini, JLL, Blink, BECU, Baird, Fuel Talent, RSM, Talent Reach, WTIA, Meridian Capital, Bank of America, and T-Mobile. And thanks to silver level sponsors: First Tech, Remitly, Fuel Talent, and SolluCIO Partners.
If interested in sponsoring a category or purchasing a table sponsorship for the event, contact us at events@geekwire.com.
