Breakthrough Technologies: Shaping the Future of Automation
For nearly four decades, the Control Engineering Product of the Year program has recognized the technologies advancing automation, control, instrumentation and industrial operations. The 2026 program continues this long-standing tradition by spotlighting new products that help engineers, system integrators, plant teams and technology leaders improve performance, reliability, connectivity, safety and efficiency across industrial environments. Eligible entries were newly available to the North American market in 2025 and were nominated by manufacturers or their marketing agencies.
A defining strength of the Product of the Year program is the direct involvement of Control Engineering’s subscriber audience. Readers reviewed nominated products and evaluated them based on technological advancement, service to the industry and overall market impact. Their votes determined this year’s 27 winners across nine categories, including one product earning the Most Valuable Product honor — the program’s highest distinction.
Nominations for the 2027 program will open October 1, 2026, and will include products first introduced to the North American market within the 2026 calendar year.
