Black and Decker screwdriver senses your hand movement to adjust speed, direction (video)
Were you feeling the need for new tech to replace the switches that control direction and speed on your cordless screwdriver? Us neither, but we're not the braintrust at Black & Decker, which just launched the Gyro 4V Max, the "world's first motion-activated screwdriver." The company put an InvenSense MEMS gyroscope in the new model, so all you have to do to change the direction or speed is rotate your drilling hand one way or the other in varying amounts. After you've polished off that Ikea shelf, it should be ready the next time you haul it out of the toolbox, with a Lithium-ion battery that stays juiced for as long as 18 months. Judging by the video below the break, it actually looks pretty clever, and at $40, why not start dragging your tools out of the stone age?
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Black & Decker® Introduces the GYRO™ Screwdriver, the World's First Motion-Activated Screwdriver that Controls Variable Speed and Direction
The Patent Pending Screwdriver incorporates Gyroscopic Technology for Controlling Variable Speed and Direction
TOWSON, Md. (EMBARGO-August 15, 2012) – Black & Decker® (NYSE: SWK) brings innovation to the screw driving category once again with the introduction of the GYROTM 4V MAX* Lithium-ion Rechargeable Screwdriver (BDCS40G), the world's first motion-activated screwdriver that controls variable speed and direction. The variable speed feature and direction change that occurs with a twist of the wrist provide improved control while screwdriving compared to rechargeable screwdrivers on the market.
Black & Decker continues to set the pace of innovation with the patent pending GYROTM screwdriver featuring gyroscopic technology - an industry-first for a screwdriver. With gyroscopic technology, users need only to rotate their wrist one-quarter turn to the right for forward or left for reverse. With traditional rechargeable screwdrivers users are typically required to engage a switch for a direction change and are not offered variable speed.
"We're taking a technology people are familiar with using in motion-sensing video games, smart phones, and even toy helicopters and using it in a new and innovative way to create a unique power tool," said Matt Nestorick, product manager for consumer power tools at Black & Decker. "The new GYROTM screwdriver harnesses the latest technologies to provide consumers with a unique DIY experience."
The 4V MAX* Lithium Rechargeable Screwdriver joins Black & Decker's expanding lineup of Lithium products, including the existing range of drill/drivers and Black & Decker's extensive Lithium outdoor lineup featuring a string trimmer/edger, hedge trimmer, sweeper, cultivator, pole pruning saw, pole hedge trimmer, chain saw and powered lopper. With lithium ion battery technology, the GYROTM screwdriver holds a charge up to 18 months. With this and other Black & Decker lithium ion products, users receive long-lasting, lightweight and compact products that won't experience battery memory effect problems.
The Black & Decker 4V MAX* GYROTM Lithium Rechargeable Screwdriver will be available October 2012 for $39.97 at most major retailers and via BlackandDecker.com. The GYROTM screwdriver features an LED light and comes with two standard screwdriving bits, jack plug charger and a two-year warranty.
About Black & Decker
Since 1910, Black & Decker has been setting the standard for innovation and design of power tools, accessories, outdoor yard care equipment, home cleaning products, automotive and lighting products, hardware and other home improvement products. The inventor of the first portable electric drill with pistol grip and trigger switch, Black & Decker has evolved from a small machine shop in Baltimore, Maryland to a global manufacturing and marketing powerhouse with a broad line of quality products used in and around the home and for commercial applications. When users need to get work done, they trust Black & Decker for the products that will do the job efficiently and reliably. For more information on Black & Decker's extensive line of products, visit www.blackanddecker.com or follow Black & Decker on Facebook and Twitter.
* Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 4 volts. Nominal voltage is 3.6.
