Software Motor Co., the business atop the podium for commercial controls this year, is not like most other winners. The company was just formed in 2013, releasing its first products to market earlier this year, but its research team tallies more than 100 years of collective experience in computer hardware and motor design.

The fruit of this labor? The SMC Smart Motor System — and while it is not yet widely commercially available, it is on the way after enjoying successful pilot projects installed with Whole Foods Market, Walmart, Bravo Brio Restaurant Group, and other organizations.