The story of the Robotow. Born and made in America.
Invented by Jack Jones in Lima, Ohio, the Robotow has been designed, machined, and assembled by Aircraft Dynamics for more than sixty years — still family-owned, still American-made.
A slip on the ice. A challenge accepted.
Jack Jones learned electronics in the U.S. Army, running missile defense during the Korean War. After the service, Jack met with Lima business owner Bill Glover to talk about local business opportunities. Bill was interested in Jack's military training — he had recently slipped on ice while trying to move his company's Piper Cherokee from the hangar to the runway.
Bill asked if Jack could build something to move an airplane by battery power. Jack accepted the challenge and enlisted Charlie Schimpf, a former military aircraft mechanic for the Flying Tigers. Together they built a wall to shield themselves while testing series-wound motors at different voltages — they weren't sure the motors wouldn't explode. Soon, the plane-moving device we now call the Robotow was born.
Fourteen revisions later, still built in Ohio.
Jack and his sons eventually became owners of the company — Aircraft Dynamics — where Robotows are still manufactured today. The current model is likely the 14th design revision of the original unit first sold in 1962. It incorporates a permanent-magnet motor, lithium-ion battery technology, and 3D-printed parts for select applications.
The frame assembly, motor housing, knurled drive drum, and all support structures are still proudly built by Aircraft Dynamics and local Ohio metal shops. 3D-printed parts are made in-house on state-of-the-art industrial printers. Final assembly and testing happen in our Lima, Ohio facility — still family-owned and operated, with the help of many long-time employees who feel like family.
"Find a need and fill it."
Jack had many sayings over the years that we affectionately call "Jackisms". This one was very applicable to the Robotow — and Aircraft Dynamics continues to live by Jack's motivation and enthusiasm for life.
Sixty years, one purpose.
The first Robotow
Jack Jones and Charlie Schimpf build a battery-powered mover for Bill Glover's Piper Cherokee in Lima, Ohio.
Army electronics
Jack learned electronics in the U.S. Army, running missile defense during the Korean War before turning to civilian engineering.
Iterated, not replaced
Today's Robotow is roughly the 14th design revision of the 1962 original — same purpose, refined every year.
Still family-run
Aircraft Dynamics, owned by Jack's family, still builds every Robotow in Ohio with long-time employees who feel like family.
418 East Kiracofe Ave, Elida.
Every Robotow is built at Aircraft Dynamics' Elida shop. Call and a person answers the phone.
