The title of Engineer of the Year 2026 has brought Martijn Otten more than just visibility. It gave him a bigger platform, opened doors to new collaborations and prompted him to think about how, as an engineer, he can make an even greater contribution to society.

“To me, the title felt like a mission: if you’re given this platform as an engineer, you should use it for something that matters,” says Martijn Otten. He puts this idea into practice in various ways. At AV Flexologic, he is working on the application of robotics and AI in the manufacturing industry. He is also committed to supporting Ukraine through the Protect Ukraine Foundation. This voluntary work led to the creation of Aquadrone, a company that develops unmanned vessels for purposes including logistics and reconnaissance in areas where it is too dangerous for people to go. Seven vessels have now been built, the first of which are being deployed in Ukraine.

The award itself has also given his work an extra platform. This is how Otten came into contact with the Humanoid Application Centre in Rotterdam, with which he is now collaborating on the deployment of humanoid robots in production environments.

What is the main message he wants to convey to others? “People are moved by the story behind the technology, not by the technology itself.”It is precisely by sharing these stories that he aims to show what engineers can do for society and to inspire young people to take an interest in technology.

Would you like to give someone else a chance to win this title? You’ve still got a week left, so don’t wait too long.

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