Jack Jones, the inventor of the Robotow, learned electronics in the Army and was in charge of missile defense while serving his tour in the Korean War. After the army, Jack met with Lima business owner Bill Glover to discuss local business opportunities. Bill was very interested in Jack’s military training in electronics because Bill had recently slipped on ice while trying to move his company’s Piper Cherokee from the hanger to the runway. He asked Jack if he would be interested in creating a new product to move his airplane by battery power or other means. Jack accepted the challenge and went to work.

Jack enlisted the help of Charlie Schimpf, a former military aircraft mechanic for the Flying Tigers. Together they used Jack’s design to create and test their ideas. They even built a wall/barrier to protect themselves while testing different series wound motors at various voltages fearing they might explode. Soon, the plane moving device we now call the Robotow was born.

Jack and his sons eventually became owners of the company, Aircraft Dynamics, where Robotows are still manufactured today. The current model of the Robotow is likely the 14th design revision of the original model first sold back in 1962. The newest model incorporates a permanent magnet motor, lithium ion battery technology, and 3D printed parts for certain applications.

The entire frame assembly, motor housing, knurled drive drum and all support structures are still proudly manufactured by Aircraft Dynamics and local vendors in Ohio based metal shops. Our 3D parts are made in-house using state of the art 3D industrial printing technology. Final assembly and testing of all Robotows takes place in our Lima, Ohio facility, which is still family owned and operated with the help of many long-time employees who feel like family.

Jack had many sayings over the years that we affectionately call "Jackisms". One of his favorites was very applicable to the Robotow… "Find a need and fill it"! Aircraft Dynamics continues to live by Jack’s motivation and enthusiasm for life.