Harley-Davidson Rides Robots for Growing Demand on New Tri Glide

Harley-Davidson leads the way at President Barack Obama's inauguration parade with new Tri Glide Ultra Classic

By Brian Huse, Director, Marketing & PR, Robotic Industries Association

RIA member Harley-Davidson has a good news story with their new Tri Glide Ultra Classic, a three-wheel motorcycle just launched in June of 2008 and enjoying growing demand today. If you watched President Barack Obama’s inauguration you would have seen a formation of Harley-Davidson police motorcycles with side-cars (on robotically welded frames) led by the new Tri Glide Ultra Classic police version of its new trike.

 

Demand for the Tri Glide is up and Harley-Davidson is increasing capacity. Their company took steps last year to control costs and appear to be coping with the economic downturn far better than their automotive counterparts. Robots help Harley-Davidson meet quality goals and help them control costs.

 

Mike Kunkle, a Senior Manufacturing Engineer with Harley-Davidson, has contributed his time and talent to Robotic Industries Association on the R15.06 Standards Committee and as a member of its Board of Directors for more than seven years. RIA is proud to have Harley-Davidson as a member and Mike as a guiding influence for Association activities.

 

RIA salutes this great American company and its commitment to robots and robot safety. It is truly good news to hear their company is experiencing a smoother ride than most in today’s bumpy economy.