The Hermes Award 2006 given by Deutsche Messe AG in recognition of pioneering technology goes to Harting Mitronics AG of Biel, Switzerland, who accepted the 100,000 euros in prize money on April 23 during the Opening Ceremony for Hannover Messe. The winning innovation is a RFID transponder which boasts a range of over five meters and - thanks to its three-dimensional antenna technology - can be used in the direct vicinity of metals and liquids. Its rugged design makes it suitable for use in tough industrial settings.

With its purse of 100,000 euros the Hermes Award presented annually in conjunction with Hannover messe is the world`s most lucrative prize for pioneering technology. The Award is given in recognition of novel products and processes which are making their first appearance at the fair , have successfully undergone industrial trials or deployment and rate as highly innovative in terms of technological advancement and cost-effectiveness.

The four other Finalists for the Award were (in no particular order):

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ContiTech Luftfedersysteme GmbH (a member of the Hannover-based ContiTech Corporation) together with the Railway Business Unit of the SKF Group of Gothenberg, Sweden, for their novel suspension and bearings concept for railway freight cars

Thomas Schildknecht Industrieelektronik of Sersheim, Germany, for their wireless communication system

VIETZ GmbH of Hannover, Germany, for their orbital fiber laser process for pipeline welding

Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH of Duderstadt, Germany, for their electronically controlled elbow joint for use in artificial arms.

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