Our digital editor Tom spent the day at Bosch to see their latest innovations in tools and technology. Find out what we were shown – and what you can expect this year!
We spent the day at @BoschPro_UK's incredible Innovation Hub learning about their new products and technology!
Connecting devices to Bosch's app and sending data can provide the customer with predictive maintenance.#app #IoT pic.twitter.com/pXbfkcVYyH
— SPARKS Magazine⚡️ (@sparksmagazine) June 13, 2019
Firstly, we were shown around Bosch’s incredible Innovation Hub, a new centre dedicated to showcasing the products and inventions Bosch has to offer.
Bosch’s show kitchen simulates household products which can be connected via an App, meaning you can adjust settings or turn on appliances such as the heating system, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, oven, hob, coffee machine and security cameras. You can even check what you’ve got in your fridge!
Connecting to the app and sharing data also allows predictive maintenance, meaning Bosch can keep the home running smoothly.
We were shown other innovations, such as augmented reality which shows components within a car – very useful for emergency services should they need to know where the battery is, for example, to avoid cutting into it.
The rest of the day was devoted to tools. Brand director Steve Hillier said: “We are trying to make the professional user more efficient.”
Steve revealed that Bosch’s two innovation drivers are cordless – as 72% of power tools are now cordless – and sensor technology, for example drop or kickback control, to improve safety.
The new BITURBO Range will arrive in the UK in September – and we got to see some of the tools in action.
The range combines the ProCore 18V battery system with a new motor.
Meet the new @BoschPro_UK BITURBO range, which comes out in September 2019.
First up, the GKS 18V-68 GC Cordless Circular Saw
✅ Guiderail compatible
✅ Flexible power system
✅ One-handed depth adjustment
✅ Safe braking and kickbacks pic.twitter.com/0TR9GoXv92— SPARKS Magazine⚡️ (@sparksmagazine) June 13, 2019
The next member of the @BoschPro_UK BITURBO team we met was the GCM 18V-216 C Cordless Sliding Mitre Saw
✅ Laser guide
✅ Up to 45-degree beveling cuts
✅ Cutting depth of 70mm
✅ Dust collection
✅ Runtime of 377 cuts (2×4" pine, 8Ah) pic.twitter.com/JgnfOZJzVT— SPARKS Magazine⚡️ (@sparksmagazine) June 13, 2019
We were then shown the new @BoschPro_UK BITURBO GBH 18V-36 C SDS-Max Hammer
✅ Only 6.1kg
✅ Flexible power system
✅ Kickback control pic.twitter.com/KYuUWzAkeo— SPARKS Magazine⚡️ (@sparksmagazine) June 13, 2019
The last member of the new @BoschPro_UK BITURBO that we were shown was the GWS/X 18V-15 SC Angle Grinder
✅ Equivalent to 1500W corded power
✅ Flexible power system
✅ Kickback and drop control pic.twitter.com/XhAXhecNED— SPARKS Magazine⚡️ (@sparksmagazine) June 13, 2019
The products team at Bosch were very passionate about their battery and charging system – in particular, the GAL 18V-160 C charger, which they say can reach 50% charge in just nine minutes, and is connected – meaning you can check on the battery’s status and change the charging mode via an app.
We were then shown some of Bosch’s ingenious accessories, including X-Lock and SpeedClean.
We were then shown some of @BoschPro_UK's innovative accessories
X-LOCK angle grinder accessories take one click to change, are backwards compatible, remove risk of under-tightening and allow use of the entire width of the disc – but cost the same as previous accessories! pic.twitter.com/VbURMUtGcs
— SPARKS Magazine⚡️ (@sparksmagazine) June 13, 2019
.@BoschPro_UK says its Carbide saw blades will outlast any standard Bi-Metal Blade
Its SpeedClean system uses hollow drill bits that prevent dust getting into the air.
❄️ They also last longer as they stay cooler because of the removal of dust pic.twitter.com/PSQ4e5b029
— SPARKS Magazine⚡️ (@sparksmagazine) June 13, 2019
The final workshop of the day covered measuring, levelling and detection devices.
Many of the products, such as the GLM 50 C Professional Laser Rangefinder, can be used to create floorplans via an app, and make measuring distances, angles and levels extremely easy.
There’s definitely plenty to get excited about!
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