Bertha-Benz Prize 2026 Awarded to Dr.-Ing. Enrica Tricomi
Dr.-Ing. Enrica Tricomi has been awarded the 2026 Bertha-Benz Prize by the Daimler and Benz Foundation. The prize, endowed with €15,000, recognizes outstanding doctoral research by female engineers whose work creates significant societal impact.
As part of her PhD research at Heidelberg University, Enrica Tricomi developed a soft wearable robotic suit designed to assist human walking and support individuals with weakened hip muscles. Her dissertation is entitled “Design, Development, and Validation of a Soft Wearable Robotic Suit to Assist Human Walking.”
Research for Everyday Mobility
Declining muscle strength, reduced joint function, and balance impairments can significantly affect mobility and quality of life, particularly in older adults. Wearable robotic technologies offer promising new ways to support people in their daily activities.
The robotic suit developed by Tricomi is worn over regular clothing and specifically assists hip flexion, a crucial movement during walking. Anatomically positioned anchor points at the pelvis and thighs enable efficient force transmission without restricting natural movement. Compact actuation units are integrated at the waist and controlled through intelligent sensing and embedded electronics.
A key focus of the dissertation was the practical applicability of the technology. The system adapts in real time to the user’s natural gait, providing individualized assistance while maintaining a high level of comfort.
Demonstrated Effectiveness
Through extensive studies involving both younger and older participants, Tricomi evaluated the performance of the system in real-world scenarios. The results demonstrated improved walking efficiency and reduced energy expenditure, particularly among older adults.
By providing targeted support for hip movement, the robotic suit can help reduce fatigue during walking and enhance mobility in everyday life. The patented technology has the potential to improve independence and quality of life for people with mobility impairments.
Recognizing Research with Societal Impact
“It is a great honor to receive the Bertha-Benz Prize,” says Tricomi. “Bertha Benz was a pioneer who insisted on bringing technology out of the workshop and into the real world. That spirit has guided my research from the very beginning.”
With the Bertha-Benz Prize, the Daimler and Benz Foundation recognizes not only scientific excellence but also innovation, perseverance, and the societal value of engineering research.
We warmly congratulate Dr.-Ing. Enrica Tricomi on this outstanding achievement.
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