New ExoActive functions available on the app
From May 2024, Festool will be expanding the functionality of its active exoskeleton, the ExoActive EXO18, using the Work App
In 2023, Festool launched its battery-operated exoskeleton, the ExoActive, which makes light work of strenuous overhead tasks. It gives you an extra boost of strength before your arms get tired and at the same time takes the load off your neck. Users are impressed with the new helper – as the results of the test study show. It is not for nothing that Festool recently received an iF design award for the ExoActive. From May 2024, the Festool Work App is delivering optimum functional extras for everyday work with the ExoActive. How does the app provide support and what exactly does it do?
"The ExoActive reduces the load on users’ front shoulder muscles, which would otherwise feel the burn all day. This means that you can keep your arms up much longer, reducing the time pressure and stress levels when setting the screw connection or producing a more even spray pattern."
Karl Preiser, test customer for the 2023 ExoActive test study from Germany
Festool's new ExoActive was very well received when it launched in 2023: an active exoskeleton powered by an 18-volt battery. A revolution for the building trade – whether dry mortarless construction or painting, sanding or installation, whether on walls or ceilings – ExoActive actively lends a helping hand. The ExoActive provides support during overhead work, whether using power tools, traditional hand tools or even bare hands. Consequently, with the stress on their body reduced, they can work without fatigue, enabling them to focus more on the quality of their work, and ultimately work more effectively and get more enjoyment out of the job.
New additional functions with the Work App
With the free Festool Work App (Android and iOS), the ExoActive will, in future, be even more customisable to suit the specific application and requirements – all via the smartphone touchscreen for added convenience. For example, the app can be used to show step-by-step instructions detailing how to adjust the ExoActive to the user's body size. The app also makes it easier to set the appropriate working mode: Either Flex or Fix mode. The Fix mode provides support in a fixed position of around 100 degrees in front of the body, for example during longer installation work in one place. In Flex mode, the position can be selected with complete freedom. The Fix or Flex mode are suitable for static work in the same position, for example. For asymmetrical work, the ExoActive offers support on one side for either the right or left arm, for example when using a cordless drill. Using the app, the ExoActive can be easily adjusted to suit the work situation in question. Of course, that's not all the app does: It also displays the charge status, calls up operating data such as the level of support and provides access to software updates and even tutorials on how to use the ExoActive most effectively.
"To find out exactly how our new exoskeleton will be used in practice, we conducted an international test study in seven European countries between May and October 2023," explains Dominic Ender (Product Manager at Festool). "This gave around 300 test customers the opportunity to put the ExoActive through its paces on construction sites. And I have to say: The results speak for themselves, as they were very positive all round – there was great enthusiasm for the active support, especially when it came to overhead work." The final results indicated:
• 79 percent felt less physically exhausted • 74 percent felt their workload had been eased • 71 percent needed fewer breaks • 72 percent gave positive feedback on the operation/adjustments during work • 70 percent gave positive feedback about the adjustments to their body shape • 56 percent stated a higher quality of life
iF Design Award for the ExoActive
"We are very proud to have received the 2024 iF Design Award for our ExoActive," says Dominic Ender. The ExoActive receives the globally recognised iF Design Award – one of the world's most important and prestigious design awards – for its outstanding design.
Integrated into the Festool 18 volt system
The ExoActive is supplied along with all accessories in robust packaging that, in addition to protecting the product, also functions as a raised storage area. The ExoActive is powered by an 18-volt battery, which is also compatible with the entire Festool 18 Volt System. The ExoActive exoskeleton has been available from selected specialist dealers since October 2023 and the additional functions for targeted support have been available via the app since May 2024.
Active system – easy to put on, just like a rucksack
The ExoActive is an active exoskeleton. This means that the user can precisely adjust the support setting to obtain the level of support required for the task at hand. Thanks to its powerful Festool 18-volt battery pack, the ExoActive gives users exactly the boost they need to make light work of tiring overhead tasks. Whether from the waist up, at chest height or overhead – users can set where they would like support, as well as the level of support they require, in a matter of seconds. If necessary, users can also pause the support boost completely. This way, the ExoActive can give users targeted support precisely where it's needed, while being as easy to put on as a rucksack. It can also be quickly adjusted to accommodate different body sizes so that its ergonomics work perfectly for all body types. "Once you know first hand what it's like to work supported by an active exoskeleton, you won't want to work on a wall or ceiling without our ExoActive ever again. The exoskeleton makes it much easier to avoid overexertion during overhead work in particular. Our ExoActive reduces the load on users’ front shoulder muscles by up to 30 percent*. This means that work feels up to one third easier. Additionally, we have an active system, which is a unique selling point in this product segment. 'Active' means that we supply it with power. This allows the ExoActive to be adapted almost instantly to any work situation. The ExoActive is powered by a Festool 18-volt battery pack, just like our other tools. This makes it the perfect addition to our existing battery system," explains Dominic Ender, Product Manager for the new ExoActive exoskeleton.
Provides up to five kilograms of support
The ExoActive provides each underarm with an added boost of up to 50 Newtons. This is equivalent to reducing the load by approximately five kilograms. The PLANEX LHS 2-M long-reach sander weighs 3.9 kilograms, yet it feels almost as light as a feather in your hands. "Because the applications in the trades are so varied, the level of support provided by the ExoActive can be tailored specifically to the task at hand. You can set the support you need at any given moment by turning the controller. The exoskeleton has three predefined working ranges for easy control: From the waist up, from the chest up or overhead," explains Dominic Ender. The ergonomically designed, easy-to-reach control element allows users to switch the ExoActive on and off as needed, set the support level to any of five settings, and select the working range. If the user does not require any support for the time being, they can pause the system by pressing the button – for instance, if they want to pick up a screw or mix paint.
Maximum freedom of movement
The exoskeleton becomes one with your body. No components getting in your way, no restrictive straps. Whether you're picking up a screw, mixing paint or getting tools from your vehicle, the ExoActive exoskeleton offers maximum freedom of movement and is very comfortable to wear. A practical detail: All of the ExoActive's fabric and strap parts are removable and washable, so it can be worn by different people. What's more, all users can be provided with their own harness system, making it even quicker and easier to change between them.
Festool's battery-powered universe: There's more to it than "just" power
"Battery technology and battery-powered devices are a significant trend on the tools market. We have tailored our strategy to reflect this, and are continuously expanding our portfolio accordingly. We're not just blindly pursuing a strategy of using battery technology purely for the sake of it – we want to take a more purposeful approach to ascertain how battery technology might best serve the application in question. We want to optimise the results so that the products are perfect for their applications,
and we want to make work
easier, safer and better for tradespeople," says Sascha Menges, CEO of
Festool GmbH. This commitment is embodied in exemplary fashion by the latest
new additions to the Festool 18 Volt System.
