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DeWALT^® introduces world’s first ‘connected’ battery system for cordless power tools

 

XR^® Tool CONNECT^™ uses Bluetooth^® technology to connect the XR^® battery system to any Smartphone or tablet, providing a new smarter way of working for the modern construction site

• Quickly check if multiple tools are present, and whether batteries are charged
• Shut tools down if they leave the designated work area
• Lend tools for a specified timeframe
• Create customised alerts to monitor battery performance and health

Smartphone technology is being used increasingly by professional tradesmen to drive productivity and a more efficient way of working. To address this opportunity, DeWALT^® has expanded the XR Lithium-ion system with Tool CONNECT™, a power tool battery with Bluetooth^® connectivity that provides the modern construction professional with an easier and faster way to manage their power tool arsenal.  

Any power tool fitted with a DeWALT XR 18V Tool CONNECT™ battery pack (either 2.0 or 5.0Ah), may be paired to a mobile device up to 30 metres away via the Tool CONNECT™ app. The highly intuitive and customisable interface is designed to provide the user with one-touch access to a wealth of information, such as proximity of location, state of charge and temperature, as well as access to practical reference material.  

Inventory management

Once paired via the Tool CONNECT™ app, batteries (and the associated power tool) can be easily located and identified. Rapid inventory checks can therefore be carried out at the start and end of a job to ensure that all batteries are fully charged, and are within the immediate vicinity. Forgotten or misplaced items can also be quickly identified without time consuming searches.

Lending

The “Lend” function of the Tool CONNECT™ app allows owners to keep track of tools loaned to an individual or a team. The app will automatically deactivate the power tool battery, and notify the owner following expiry of the agreed period of time. This can be a useful means of tracking for tools used by a team on large commercial construction sites, and also an effective way of managing vibration exposure time.

Security

In the event of theft, or if the tool leaves a defined working perimeter, construction professionals can automatically disable the Tool CONNECT™ battery to prevent further use.

Customisation and diagnostics

Tool CONNECT^™ app users are able to tailor alerts to monitor the status and health of batteries. These include notification of a low state of charge, and a remaining run time indicator. The user can also choose to disable a battery when out of range, and be warned of a high operating temperature to prevent damage.

Chris Wayne, Product Marketing Manager UK said, “Time is precious at the end of a working day, and high quality power tools can be expensive to replace. The XR Tool CONNECT^™ system allows construction professionals to quickly check if they have all of their tools accounted for, and also verify which, if any, of their batteries need to be charged overnight, ready for the next challenge.”

The DeWALT Tool CONNECT^™ app is available to download free of charge from the App Store for smartphones (iPhone 4, 5, 6 models and above) and tablets (iPad Mini and Air models, and above) featuring an iOS operating system, and from the Android App Store (on approved android devices).

Key features:

• DeWALT XR^® 2.0h and 5.0Ah 18V batteries with Bluetooth^® connectivity
• Fast and simple pairing of smartphone featuring DeWALT Tool CONNECT^™ app (within a 30 metre distance)
• Intuitive and clear interface for simple inventory management and reduced downtime
• Ability to disable batteries when stolen, out of range, or upon expiry of a loan
• Customisable alerts to notify user of battery condition and state of charge
• Access to manuals and Service Agent information  

To view or download a product video on DeWALT^® Tool CONNECT^™, please visit http://www.dewalt.co.uk/toolconnect/

For further product information, please visit the DeWALT web site www.dewalt.co.uk or the DeWALT Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dewaltuk