History

1969
Mr. Olavi Venäläinen opens a full-service auto body repair shop.

1972
Olavi Venäläinen invents a new method to make straightening work easier and faster.

1974
A prototype of the new method is perfected. The device is named Autorobot.

1975
Patent application is made for the Autorobot fastening and straightening components.

1976
The group conducting auto body repair research for Finland’s insurance companies, VAT, examines and tests the new Autorobot device. VAT recommends Autorobot’s innovative straightening techniques to body shops in Finland.

1977
First deal is closed with the biggest collision repair shop in Finland. The buyer is the importer of Nissan and Chrysler, Aro-Yhtymä Ltd., in Helsinki.

1978
Manufacture of the total-vehicle measuring system is started (which measures both chassis and body) and measuring data accumulation is begun.

1980
Autorobot achieves 90% market share in the Finnish market.

1981
Export decisions are initiated, encouraged by phenomenal success in Finland.

1985
Own manufacturing factory is built in the industrial area of Kuopio, Finland.

1986
A subsidiary company is established in California, USA.
The welding department in Finland is automated by acquiring a welding robot.

1989
Export to the Asian market starts. The machining department is automated by acquiring a computerized machining center.

1994
Development commences on the electronic total-vehicle measuring system.
Autorobot’s top-of-the-line model, the Autorobot III, is followed by the Autorobot IV.

1995
Zinc plating facility is built.

1998
New model of the electronic total-vehicle measuring system is launched.

2003
Marketing of Autorobot B20 straightening system is kicked off.

2004
Development is initiated of the B20 with radio control.

2005
Licensing is issued for manufacturing contract in Asia.