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The battery-powered ExoActive exoskeleton will make light work of strenuous overhead tasks. Whether dry mortarless construction, painting, wallpapering or installation, whether on walls or ceilings, the ExoActive exoskeleton gives users an added boost when their arms get tired and takes the load off their neck. By reducing the stress on their body, they can work more effectively, focus more on the quality of their work, and ultimately get more enjoyment out of what they are doing. They can adjust the required support level on the exoskeleton in a matter of seconds so they get targeted support precisely where it's needed. The ExoActive is comfortable and easy to wear, just like a rucksack, and can be quickly adjusted to the user's individual body size.

With the new ExoActive, Festool has created an active exoskeleton with 18 Volt Battery Power for the first time in its nearly one-hundred-year history. This new product is no less than a revolution for virtually all the trades in the construction industry, since, unlike the systems currently available on the market, the ExoActive exoskeleton actively supports workers under their arms to take the effort out of working on walls and ceilings.

Active system – easy to wear, 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 wear 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 the front of users' shoulder muscles by up to 30%*. 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 the same kind of Festool 18-volt battery pack that we use for 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 5 kg 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 5 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 areas for effortless control: From the waist up, from the chest up or overhead," explains Dominic Ender. With the Festool Work App (free for Android and iOS), the ExoActive can, in future, be individually adapted to the respective use and requirement quite conveniently via the touchscreen of the smartphone. 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 area. 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 new 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, meaning that 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.

Test customer study completed with great success

Since May 2023, selected test customers have already had the opportunity to put the ExoActive through its paces within the framework of an international study with seven European countries. The study will continue to run until October 2023. A total of 300 testers are on the go with the ExoActive at construction sites throughout Europe. The result is thoroughly positive – above all when working overhead, the active support met with great enthusiasm.

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. Festool's new ExoActive exoskeleton will be available to purchase from selected specialist dealers from October 2023.

Festool's battery-powered universe: There's more to it than "just" power

"Battery technology and battery-powered devices are an extremely significant trend on the tools market. We have tailored our strategy to reflect this, and are continuously expanding our portfolio accordingly. We are not just blindly pursuing a strategy of using battery technology just 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.