Over in Europe, Bosch just issued a press release that basically says they’re working on a new system of Bluetooth-connected power tools that users can customize via a smartphone app.
The press release is very strange, so let’s break it down the relevant parts piece by piece.
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Customizable by app:
Bosch networks power tools
Additional new “Connectivity” products for professionals
- Networking of power tool and smartphone by Bluetooth
- Customized configuration of tool settings by app
- Access by Bosch Toolbox App
- Integrable Bluetooth module compatible with “TrackMyTools”
Okay, so they’re basically coming out with power tools that connect to smartphones and apps via Bluetooth, and the tools will allow for user customizations.
Sounds a lot like Milwaukee’s One-Key tools.
Bosch is continuing to build its expertise in networked power tools for professionals: professionals will in future be able to custom configure their tools by app with the aid of an integrable Bluetooth module.
Ah, so Bosch isn’t coming out with any connected tools so quickly. Right now they’re “building their expertise,” which to me means “we’re still working on it.”
It seems to me that Bosch is responding to Milwaukee One-Key, something I expect Dewalt to be doing by now, but their solution isn’t ready yet.
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For the first time, this technology is being brought to market in combination with the new cordless drill/drivers and combi drills.
The long-term goal is to network all professional power tools by Bosch and, thus, to offer users an even higher level of convenience and transparency – and to increase their productivity.
For the first time? Wasn’t Milwaukee first with One-Key?
Bosch aims to network ALL of their professional power tools? That’s good news, but I wonder – will there be separate models, or will the cost be absorbed into the prices of all their tools?
After the Bluetooth module has been inserted into the tool and activated, the module automatically connects to the tool. Professionals can then couple their smartphone using the “MyConnectedTools” function of the extended Bosch Toolbox App, and access their tool settings.
Wait a second. After the Bluetooth module is inserted into a tool and activated? So… users will be able to retrofit their existing Bosch tools to make them connectable and customizable? Will this be done at a Bosch service center or Bosch facility, or will there be a thin adapter of some kind that potentially bridges the tool and battery?
We’ve seen that Dewalt programs their drills and impact drivers through the battery connection, and presumably the same is true for their other 20V Max tools that require programming. Will these Bosch modules slip between a tool and its battery? And if so, will it be there for programming, or whenever the tool is used?
Thanks to the integrable Bluetooth module, the professional can decide whether and when to network his tool and utilize the additional Connectivity functions. To use the networking function, the tool first has to be created using “MyConnectedTools”. The professional can then access all available tool information and see the status of the tool using the smartphone.
Oh, okay, users can decide whether and when to make their tools connectable.
WAIT. So does this mean that you just need one module that you can use for different tools? Oh, nevermind, you have to create tools and profiles in the app, which are probably tied to the Bluetooth module and not the connected tools.
Still… this would mean that you could buy a tool you need, and then make it “networkable” and customizable later on if the need arises. That’s better than having to buy a whole new tool. But does it mean you can pass the module to another tool if the need for a certain tool to be customizable is only temporary?
Furthermore, it is possible to customize a number of tool settings, such as the initiation point of “KickBack Control”. The user also receives important information for problem recognition and hints for troubleshooting, e.g. in case of overheating of a motor, electronics or battery pack.
That sounds good, but what about speed control, and things like that? Does that require a brushless motor? Clutch settings? I guess that requires an electronic clutch, as opposed to a traditional mechanical one.
The user’s settings are stored and are again available after reconnecting the tool with the smartphone. Bosch thus offers professionals a user-friendly “Connectivity” solution for controlling, customizing and networking their power tools.
The Bluetooth module is also compatible with “TrackMyTools”, the cloud-based Bosch system for managing and localizing workshop equipment.
That first part makes sense. That second part about tool tracking – that brings to mind the Bosch TrackTag hardware. I’m guessing that the Bosch TrackTag externally-attachable Bluetooth tracking module might have been the springboard for this new program?
As a reminder, Bosch’s TrackMyTools service requires a paid subscription. The MyConnectedTools add-on to the Bosch ToolBox app is said to be free, and will be available for both Android and iOS devices.
The first tools with integrable Bluetooth module will be available at Bosch stockists from the fall of 2016. These are cordless drill/drivers and combi drills as well as a cordless 18 volt lamp.
Okay, so tools with integrated Bluetooth modules will be available starting in the Fall of 2016, but what about that part where Bosch says their goal is for all of their professional tools to be “networked?”
And what does the part that talks about how after the Bluetooth module has been inserted into the tool and activated? Am I understanding this wrong, or does this really suggest some kind of retrofit kit? And if so, will there be different modules for different tools, or will the app be smart enough to make a tool appropriately customizable based on its model number?
I’ve got so many questions, and more are popping up as I continue to digest this information. But I am also very eager and excited to see how this new Bosch initiative develops.
pencil neck
I’ll put this in the “because you can’t doesn’t mean you should” box
Because if I’m using a [tool] and want to adjust the initiation point of “KickBack Control”, I don’t want to pull my phone out, start the app, sync up the hardware, go into settings, make the changes. Call me silly, I’d rather turn a dial or something.
KeepToolsStoopid
agreed 100% I see no situation where these features are useful or even wanted. Waste of R&D $$’s and a potential tool cost increase for worthless gimmicks.
Jesse
Being able to track my tools in an “anti-theft/where did I put that” capacity would be great. Some kind of battery management function might be useful, like overall “health” (is it starting to lose charge quicker than time of purchase?) or active battery life of all tools recognized within range, with no cap to batteries in the group.
I can’t think of any other breakthroughs that adjusting your other factory power tool settings could bring. Cautiously optimistic about potential for other uses.
Bruce
Who the heck needs this stuff? I’ve never reached for a tool and thought, boy I sure do wish I could get a clutch setting between three and four. Or, I bought this really cool tool with anti-kickback but even though I spent extra money to get it, I think I’ll disable it.
Nathan
So isn’t Milwaukee’s one key WIFI based not BT? IIRC they don’t use the word BT and they don’t have the BT symbol on their devices. That’s a big deal becasue use of BT is liscenced and the like and to use it means to have to incorporate their sysmbol on the devices. (or it used to)
Also BT only has a useful range of around 50 ft. So I’d walk across my house and not have connection to the tools – thus the anti-theft area isn’t very big. But knowing which item was in range, and what battery was connected – it’s horrible. I don’t need that but it’s not a bad feature. WiFi with 2.4 has a longer range – remove the need for bandwidth and the range is even further.
Data connection pass though and custom programing – I like the flexibility but I don’t need it. Impact driver with 3-4 setting on a switch outside the tool – good enough. Also I don’t want to pay for the features today. But I like that it’s being developed.
I wonder if Bosch is going to put modules in the tool boxes too – so you can say. Tool ______ is in the box, the box AND tool are within range, battery ________ and ______ are also in the box and charge states are __________ and ___________. Especially with their wireless charging boxes now.
ALso I bet their module is in the battery also. IE use these newer batteries and the system works.
Stuart
Milwaukee One-Key is based on Bluetooth communication.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/milwaukee-one-key/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Nathan
oh well I sit corrected then.
K2
I bet it isn’t a shim between the battery, but instead a module that plugs into the side of the tool, like a sim card on a phone. You would need a network capable tool, and the network module for it to work.
I will be buying a one key tool in the near future. Sure I can feather a trigger with ease, but I see a few use cases where I want it. One is that maybe I want the anti kick back protection to be more aggressive, because I’m having my daughter help me, or my wrist is sore today. Another is being able to have a profile for repetitive tasks. We’re putting siding onto a rain screen over a block wall. We’ve determined that screws would be the best attachment option, and the manufacturer agrees. That’s a lot of screws. Everyone will be great on the first dozen, but after that, being able to just pull the trigger will be welcome.
Nathan
I wasn’t saying it was a shim but rather a different battery altogether.
Bosch Tools
Stuart-
As usual, you are on top of the latest trends!
Actually, Bosch is usually pretty deliberate in development, testing and roll out of technology to ensure it meets user needs. We will answer more of these specific questions as we go forward and we will make sure you and your audience are among the first “in the know.”
As you have seen from the Europe release you refer to, Bosch has been working on this tech for quite a while and actually rolled out globally first in Germany.
We are getting lots of good feedback on use cases from there and other markets, so we make sure that it is relevant innovation when we roll more out in the near future as some of the readers above have mentioned.
There is a lot more planned. So stay tuned.
Adam
I can’t really see the point, just more technology to go wrong, I don’t think I realy nead to customise , or track my tools .
Alvin Harshaw
Bosch Rexroth Nexo Nutrunner, the first cordless screwdriver with integrated control and power electronics.
Fred Swims
It’s called a robot. Hey Bob, tighten this. A where’s my drill or simple alarm would be nice.