Wolf Robotics

Last updated
Wolf Robotics A Lincoln Electric Company
Type Limited liability company
IndustryRobotic systems integration
Founded1944 [1] [2]
Headquarters Fort Collins, Colorado
Products Industrial automation
Number of employees
130 [3]
Website www.wolfrobotics.com

Wolf Robotics is an American automation technology company that utilizes industrial robots and computer numerical control systems. Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, it also has employees in Mexico and Brazil. [4] These typically incorporate ABB or FANUC robots with Wolf's own robotic positioners. [3]

Contents

Wolf Robotics combines robotic welding with cutting systems used for transportation OEMs and suppliers and heavy fabrication in construction, mining and agriculture. [5]

In August 2015, welding manufacturer Lincoln Electric acquired Rimrock Holdings Corporation and its two divisions, Rimrock Corporation and Wolf Robotics. [6] [5]

Following the acquisition, Wolf Robotics was renamed Lincoln Electric Automation Inc. [7]

History

Founded in 1944, Wolf Robotics operated under the name Heath Engineering and manufactured farm implement equipment using shape cutting products. [4] [8] In 1976, ESAB purchased Heath Engineering to make it their robotic welding division. ABB bought ESAB in 1993 and designated it as their Welding Systems Division. In 2003, the Rimrock Corporation bought the division and renamed it Wolf Robotics. [9] [10] [1]

Accomplishments

The company's robotic-grade welding positioners have a load capacity of up to 100,000 kg (220,462 lbs), which are among the strongest in the industry. [3] [ citation needed ] It introduced robotics to the process of submerged arc welding. [11] As one of the first four companies to be certified by the Robotic Industries Association as a robotic integrator, it is also one of six organizations recognized by the American Welding Society as an approved testing center for the Certified Robotic Arc Welding (CRAW) program. [12] [13]

By 2014, it had installed over 8,400 robotic systems for mining, construction, agriculture, and other industries. [14] [3] [2] [15]

In 2021, Wolf Robotics worked with the United States Army Research Laboratory and BAE Systems to develop an Agile Manufacturing Robotic Welding Cell for aluminum structures that make up the hull of a combat vehicle. [16]

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 Merrill, Cari (August 13, 2008). “Company conveys how robots are effective”. The Coloradoan, p. A.9
  2. 1 2 Lynn, Steve (April 2012). “Wolf Robotics forecasts 20-percent revenue growth”. Northern Colorado Business Report 823
  3. 1 2 3 4 Shannon, Brad (September, 2013).“Wolf robotics builds welding systems, brings jobs home to the U.S.”. InnovatioNews.
  4. 1 2 Peterson, Eric (March 2014). “Wolf Robotics”. CompanyWeek.
  5. 1 2 "Lincoln Electric Acquires Rimrock and Wolf Robotics". Rental Equipment Register. 2015-08-07. Retrieved 2017-09-15.
  6. ↑ "Wolf Robotics Advances Robotic Metal-Additive Manufacturing". Advanced Manufacturing. 2016-11-21. Retrieved 2017-09-15.
  7. ↑ Amundson, Ken (2021-11-30). "Lawsuit: Robotics company sues Loveland competitor over non-compete agreements, unfair competition". Loveland Reporter-Herald. Retrieved 2022-05-02.
  8. ↑ Johnson G & Frisby, T (1968). Patent No. US D210245 S.
  9. ↑ Welding Journal editors (February 2004). “Wolf Robotics Purchases ABB's Welding Systems Division”. Welding Journal, pg 12.
  10. ↑ Foundry Management & Technology (2007). “Anniversary Highlights Rimrock's Progress, Achievements”.
  11. ↑ Cullison, Andrew; Campbell, Kristin; Johnsen, Mary Ruth (2008). “A Recap of the 2007 AWS Expo”. Welding Journal, February 2008, 42.
  12. ↑ Robotic Industries Association contributor (May 14, 2012). “RIA Announces First Certified Robot Integrators”. Robotics Online. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
  13. ↑ Mangold, Vern (August 2011). “Certification Program Emphasizes Safe Use of Robots”. Welding Journal, p. 55-59.
  14. ↑ Wright, Nick (April 2013). “Get into THE MIX”. FFJournal, 46-48
  15. ↑ Anandan, Tanya (September, 2013). “Robots and Laser Welding, the Perfect Fit”. Robotics Online.
  16. ↑ Tyrrell, Michael (2021-09-07). "BAE Systems claims world first in automated welding process - PES Media". pesmedia.com. Retrieved 2022-03-30.
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