Nexus Intelligent Laser Machine receives Red Dot Design Concept Award
We're delighted to share that the Nexus Intelligent Laser Machine (ILM), developed in collaboration with Nexus Laser and Robotics, has received a Red Dot Award: Design Concept 2026 in the Tools, Industrial Equipment and Machinery category.
The award is a particularly special one for us, as it represents our 100th major international design award since PDR was founded in 1994 and since we started to enter such awards a decade or so later.
Reaching this milestone has given us the chance to look back on the projects, partnerships and people that have shaped our journey over the years. It's also fitting that award number 100 comes from Red Dot. This year marks 20 years since the Sharps Bin, designed at PDR in 2006, received a Red Dot Award and became one of our earliest award-winning projects.
The Sharps Bin was developed as the UK's first reusable sharps bin for hospital use. Designed to improve safety for healthcare professionals, it was engineered to safely contain used sharps, resist tampering and prevent contents from being tipped back out. It also became the first product of its kind to pass the relevant British Standard. Looking back, it's a reminder that even the simplest-looking products often require a huge amount of design thinking, technical expertise and collaboration to get right.
Today, the Nexus ILM reflects how our work has evolved. Developed in partnership with Nexus Laser and Robotics, the concept brings together cutting-edge engineering and user-centred design to explore new possibilities for industrial laser technology.
"It's wonderful to reach this milestone, but what we're really celebrating are the collaborations behind it. Every award represents a team effort and a partner who trusted us to help them tackle a challenge, explore an opportunity or bring a new idea to life.
It's especially pleasing that our 100th award comes from Red Dot, the same programme that recognised one of our earliest award-winning projects 20 years ago. Looking at the Sharps Bin and the Nexus ILM side by side shows just how much design, technology and the challenges we work on have evolved, while reminding us that our purpose remains the same."
Jarred Evans, Director, PDR
