Lincoln Electric : Licenses Helical Robotics’ Mobile Robotic Technology

Cleveland & Oregon, Wisconsin - The Lincoln Electric Company and Helical Robotics® LLC announced today that Lincoln Electric has been granted an exclusive worldwide license for Helical Robotics' proprietary magnetic robotic technology. This agreement will expand Lincoln Electric's automation solutions to include the industry's first trackless automated arc welding and cutting solution.

"We are pleased to add Helical Robotics' breakthrough technology to our portfolio," said Tom Matthews, senior vice president, Technology and R&D for Lincoln Electric. "Lincoln Electric's leading arc welding, solutions combined with Helical's magnetic platform technology, enables us to develop the world's first omnidirectional trackless arc welding solution. We expect this solution will greatly expand the types of surfaces that can be considered for automated welding, and will dramatically improve the efficiency of metal fabrication techniques."

The technology and platforms Helical Robotics develops allow for integrating industrial equipment into mobile magnetic robotic systems. The company will continue to develop and market its robotic systems in manufacturing, inspection and military, among other markets.

"Working with Lincoln Electric is a fabulous opportunity for us," said Bruce Schlee, president and CEO of Helical Robotics. "Lincoln Electric's commitment to new product development and ability to rapidly bring products to its customers on a global scale was a principal driver in forging a partnership that will bring our platforms to an entirely new industry."

Helical Robotics and Lincoln Electric will work together to streamline product development and system implementation. Terms of the licensing agreement were not disclosed.

About Lincoln Electric
Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc welding systems, plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment and has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln has 48 manufacturing locations, including operations and joint ventures in 19 countries and a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices covering more than 160 countries. For more information about Lincoln Electric and its products and services, visit the Company's website at http://www.lincolnelectric.com.

About Helical Robotics
Helical Robotics designs, develops and manufactures world leading mobile magnetic robotic platforms bringing factory-floor type efficiencies into the world at large. The robotic platforms are capable of deploying industrial, inspection, monitoring and military equipment directly to a work location. Helical Robotics platforms are also ideal for accessing hazardous, difficult or expensive to reach areas such as wind turbines, water towers, ship hulls, storage tanks, bridges and confined spaces.http://www.helicalrobotics.com.

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