When screwdrivers talk: how Festool plans to use AI on building sites

Tehseen: Power tools are incredibly exciting when it comes to the use of AI. Just as Markus says, the sensors in the tools provide the perfect basis for AI to recognise patterns from large amounts of data. With the help of the right algorithm, predictions can be made that have a positive impact on user satisfaction and can therefore generate business value.

One example of this is predictive maintenance – in other words, the early detection of potential faults. This allows problems to be identified and components to be replaced before a breakdown occurs.

Markus: We recognise the potential of AI and data in many different areas. The biggest challenge lies in developing the technology from the initial idea through to series production. This means moving away from the traditional product development path and exploring new approaches to industrialisation and qualification. To tackle the challenges that arise as efficiently as possible, we rely on external input from experts such as yourselves.

Tehseen: There is certainly a great deal of potential in the areas of customer support and application advice. Imagine being able to communicate directly with your tool to get information on how best to use it. With the technologies currently available on the market, this is achievable and no longer the stuff of science fiction.

Markus: For me, the close collaboration between us was particularly special. We never got bogged down in theory for long, but worked in a very agile way. We formulated hypotheses and tested them straight away. Every other day, we met to evaluate the results together and discuss the next steps. It was a brilliant collaboration on an equal footing, which enabled us to achieve results in no time at all.

What also surprised me was that we were able to solve a very complex problem using a relatively simple algorithm.

Tehseen: That’s a brilliant point. Just because a problem is complex doesn’t mean a complicated solution is always the best one. That’s why the data exploration at the start of the project was so effective. To test whether traditional machine-learning algorithms could actually be applied in the demanding environment of a power tool, we first had to understand the data. The rapid exchange of ideas with you as subject matter experts was a great help here. Without pre-processing and evaluating the data, it wouldn’t have been possible to develop a bespoke algorithm that effectively addresses the problem whilst also functioning within the tool.

Markus: At Festool, we are committed to always keeping an eye on customer needs and current trends. At the same time, we monitor how technologies, standards and legislation are evolving. This leads to new requirements for future product generations, which we tailor and optimise for our target groups. The customer is our focus. One of the key technologies of the future will be the networking of products on the building site.

Tehseen: There’s also a great deal happening in the field of robotics. I could imagine that, in future, a robot will know which task it is supposed to carry out and will be able to use the appropriate tools autonomously. Perhaps via remote control or by receiving instructions from the office.

Markus: I’d like to emphasise once again just how much potential new technologies hold, even for a rather traditional sector like ours. Drills and cordless screwdrivers have been around for many years. So it’s natural to ask: what else is there to come? But even these traditional machines can become smarter and more connected through technology. And just like the tools themselves, the skills required to develop them are also evolving.

Tehseen: The whole field of device connectivity – the Internet of Things – will also have enormous potential. Devices don’t have to be viewed in isolation; thanks to data transmission, they could react to one another and make appropriate decisions. There’s still a lot to come in this area.