Accidents happen when you least expect them and many times they’re caused by tools and equipment you use every day on the job. All it takes is a split second before disaster can strike, so every one of them counts. That’s where technology can step in and prevent major injuries before they happen and that’s exactly what Bosch is hoping to accomplish with the pending release of their new flesh detecting table saw.
The Bosch GTS1041A REAXX Jobsite Table Saw was initially announced to the public early last year, but after being locked up in an apparent legal battle with competitor SawStop, the release of the has finally been announced for June 1, 2016. The REAXX table saw is a fully mobile, saw/stand combination that can detect human flesh and activate Bosch’s proprietary Active Response Technology, which drops the blade below the table top if flesh gets too close. The best part about it is that the blade is not damaged when the system is activated and only takes about a minute to flip the cartridge, re-install the blade, and get back to work. That really sets this new saw apart from the SawStop ($1,399 on Amazon), as the competitor’s version destroys the blade to stop it in 1/1000 of a second. The Bosch REAXX is expected to retail at $1,499 (preorder on Amazon here). The technology is really cool to watch activate and the video below, from ToolEditor, shows you how the saw reacts to a hot dog coming close to the blade:
The flesh detecting technology is a bonus on top of an already powerful table saw, which boasts a 15 amp, 4.0 HP motor that generates 3,650 RPM. With a 10” blade and a 25” ripping capacity, the saw can handle most of the tasks on a job site. The incorporated Bosch Gravity-Rise stand allows you to roll the saw into place and start using the tool in seconds. Here’s an overview video of the saw from Bosch:
The Active Response Technology isn’t the only technology that the saw has incorporated into it. Once released, users will be able to download the REAXX app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The app isn’t required to operate the saw, but will allow you to troubleshoot issues you might have, limit the use of the saw to authorized users, and find service locations. Below is a quick overview of the app:
Last summer, Hilti announced that they had developed their first exoskeleton designed for construction tradespeople in a partnership with Ottobuck, a prosthetics, orthotics, and exoskeleton provider. Earlier this month, Hilti officially released the exoskeleton, announced more details, and published its retail price on their website.