The robotics and AI pioneer Prof. Daniela Rus receives the High-Tech Award from the Bavarian Prime Minister in 2026. The director of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is recognized for her outstanding contributions to robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous system technology. The prize, endowed with 300,000 euros, is considered the most prestigious award for technology and engineering sciences in Germany and will be awarded on July 23, 2026 at the Munich Residence .

Prof. Rus is one of the world's leading scientists in the field of intelligent robotics. Her research includes self-organizing robotic systems, soft robotics, autonomous mobility, and brain-inspired AI architectures. With her so-called Liquid Neural Networks, she develops highly adaptable AI models that help drones or autonomous vehicles reliably navigate even in dynamic and unknown environments.

The applications of her research range from medical technology and mobility to environmental and disaster protection. This includes, among other things, swallowable origami robots for minimally invasive procedures, autonomous underwater robots, and AI-supported assistance systems for vehicles and aviation.

Daniela Rus is an international member of the Bavarian AI Council and has been committed for years to the exchange between Bavaria and international top research institutions. She has also been a speaker at the Munich AI Lectures and has brought her expertise on responsible artificial intelligence into the Bavarian AI ecosystem.

With this award, the Free State of Bavaria honors not only her scientific achievements but also her contribution to the responsible use of AI and the successful transfer of innovative research into practice.