In order to become certified, integrators go through a rigorous process which includes an on-site audit, safety training and hands-on testing of key personnel among other important criteria.

(Ann Arbor, Michigan - July 31, 2013) Lincoln Electric, Cleveland, Ohio, has received the prestigious Certified Robot Integrator designation from the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the industry's trade group.

"We are delighted to welcome Lincoln Electric as our fifteenth Certified Robot Integrator," said Jeff Burnstein, President of RIA. "In order to become certified, integrators go through a rigorous process which includes an on-site audit, safety training and hands-on testing of key personnel among other important criteria. Based on feedback from the industry, we believe that achieving certification will be valuable to integrators looking to showcase their capabilities and experience to users and suppliers alike.

"Additionally, the program allows integrators to benchmark their own processes against best industry practices, allowing them to identify areas in which they can improve. This also helps the industry by strengthening the overall integrator channel," Burnstein explained.

"We are excited to be awarded the new Certified Robot Integrator designation," said Justin Percio, Business Manager, Welding Automation Systems, Lincoln Electric. "Our experience and capabilities in robotic programming will be further recognized through this certification. It demonstrates our continuing commitment with providing customers arc welding and cutting solutions for a completely automated system."

RIA requires each certified integrator to be recertified every two years. Detailed information on the certification program and the certified robot integrators can be found on a special section of Robotics Online. Integrators interested in becoming certified can contact Jeff Burnstein at 734/994-6088.

Founded in 1974, RIA now represents some 300 robot manufacturers, system integrators, component suppliers, end user, consulting firms, research groups, and educational institutions. RIA is best known for its biennial Automate Show & Conference (next event slated for March 23-26, 2015 in Chicago); the ANSI/RIA National Robot Safety Standard and annual National Robot Safety Conference (October 14-16, 2013, Indianapolis, IN), and the annual Robotics Industry Forum (January 22-24, 2014, Orlando). The association also provides quarterly robotics statistics and has a content-rich Robotics Online website attracting hundreds of thousands of visits a year from throughout the world. For more details on RIA, visit Robotics Online or call 734/994-6088.

"Robotics customers, of course, still need to conduct their own due diligence on the suppliers they select," said Burnstein. "RIA cannot guarantee the work of any integrator or recommend which integrators to choose. We have more than 50 system integrator members and look forward to having more of them go through the certification process in the near future."