Power tool
Connected tools bring rivet tools, screwdrivers and cordless power tools into the networked factory. Every work step is documented, failed attempts are detected, and the data feeds into quality assurance and production control.
Power tool at a glance
Most frequent in the solution examples on this page
Use cases
Industries
Technologies
Users in these examples
Solution examples featuring Power tool
Reducing energy costs through targeted compressed air monitoring
Smart riveting – how the tool communicates with IT
ZEISS: new integration level regulates data heterogeneity and sets group-wide data standards
Digital transformation at Groupe Renault
Bosch Power Tools streams IoT data with Confluent Cloud
IIoT building blocks for predictive quality
Connected tools: process data from power tools on the shop floor
In the solution examples, HONSEL cordless rivet tools transmit their riveting and service data via WLAN to an interface based on the KUNBUS Revolution Pi, which is connected to the machine PLC. At iT Engineering Software Innovations, tools and workpieces are identified by RFID or barcode, so that torques from electronic screwdrivers are assigned to the respective component. ZEISS uses soffico's Orchestra integration platform to connect older hand-held screwdrivers as well as modern machining centres with OPC UA. Bosch Power Tools processes data from assembly lines and legacy systems with Confluent Cloud, Apache Kafka and Microsoft Azure.
The examples come from mechanical engineering, metal and electronics, medical technology, automotive and telecommunications, mostly for complete production control, digital production records or the correlation of production parameters. The HONSEL system detects failed attempts, filters out idle strokes and documents every riveting process without gaps. Bosch Power Tools has already launched several applications on its IoT platform, including the RefineMySite software for construction site management. Groupe Renault uses OPC UA in 17 of its 38 plants with a total of 3,300 devices.
Connected tools: frequently asked questions
How do connected tools capture process data?
The tool sends its process data wirelessly to an interface that passes it on to the controller, MES or cloud. At HONSEL, cordless rivet tools transmit riveting data, service messages and failed attempts via WLAN to a Revolution Pi module connected to the machine PLC. To assign data to the right component, solutions such as the one from iT Engineering label tools and workpieces with RFID.
How can a cordless rivet tool be connected to the machine control system?
A cordless rivet tool is connected to the machine PLC via a wireless interface. For RivSmart PLConnect, HONSEL uses the KUNBUS RevPi Core, which supports standards such as Modbus and WLAN and can be extended via digital and analogue interfaces. The system documents every rivet, distinguishes failed attempts from successful ones and filters out idle strokes.
How is torque data from screwdrivers assigned to the right part?
Torque values are assigned to a part by uniquely labelling the tool, assembly station and workpiece. In the IIoT Building Blocks from iT Engineering Software Innovations, RFID readers or barcode scanners identify every part. A data collector links the torque values of electronic screwdrivers to the workpiece with synchronised timestamps. Analytics tools then detect anomalies and support predictive quality assurance.
What do manufacturers do with data from connected industrial tools?
Manufacturers use data from connected industrial tools for new services and apps for their customers. To this end, Bosch Power Tools has built a shared platform from Bosch IoT Hub, Microsoft Azure and Confluent Cloud with Apache Kafka. It serves as the backend for new mobile apps and collects data from assembly lines and legacy systems. In future, device data from the repair service and from use in the field is also to be included.
More assets in “Components & Devices”
Filter
Filter monitoring with IoT measures the differential pressure across a filter and shows how dirty it is. Operators change filters when it is actually necessary, avoid clogged filters and downtime, and save energy and material.
Energy chain
An energy chain with IoT sensors continuously reports the condition of the cable management on moving machinery. Operators learn about overload, blockages or chain breakage before the machine stops, and plan chain replacement according to actual use.
Lighting
Commercial lighting control with IoT adjusts the lighting in offices, halls, shops and advertising installations according to occupancy, brightness and schedules, and monitors every luminaire remotely. Operators cut electricity consumption and learn about failures immediately.
Electricity meter
Automatic meter reading means that electricity meter readings reach a platform via radio, cellular network or pulse adapter, with no on-site reading. Operators bill more accurately and see where energy is consumed in a building or in production.
Charging station
Commercial EV charging relies on load management that distributes the available power across all charging stations at a site and monitors them remotely. Operators avoid overloading the grid connection, integrate photovoltaics and storage, and bill sessions automatically.
Water meter
An AMI water meter transmits readings and flow data automatically via cellular or radio networks to an IoT platform. Utilities, municipalities and businesses avoid reading rounds, see consumption promptly and detect leaks earlier.
IIoT Use Case user group
What no solution example tells you
What did the project cost? Which sensor didn't survive in the field? How did you get maintenance on board? 300+ industrial users discuss questions like these with each other every month, openly and without vendors in the room.
Frequent topics in these examples, bring your questions:
- Digital Documentation
- Quality Management
- Condition Monitoring
Online every month
Alternating tech and business focus
Users only
No sales pitches, exchange under NDA
300+ members
OT, IT and IIoT leads from industry
