The ASME Mechanisms and Robotics Committee Best Paper Award was established in 1988 and funded by the ASME Design Engineering Division. Prior to 1988, the best paper award was funded by the Procter and Gamble Company, and carried the names of "Procter and Gamble Award" and the "ASME Mechanisms Conference Best Paper Award." From 1988 - 1994 the two awards ran simultaneously until the Procter and Gamble / ASME Mechanisms Conference Best Paper Award was discontinued after 1994.