Husqvarna Unveils Ideas for the Future of Professional Landscaping
HUSKVARNA, Sweden, October 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
What if your trimmer could talk to your smartphone, or smart watch, and help you do
landscaping in new ways? Following the positive response to the sensor based fleet
management system Husqvarna Fleet Services, Husqvarna presents a concept of a connected
battery that can collect and provide real-time data from power tools. Featuring the
connected battery technology idea, Husqvarna also unveils a design concept hedge trimmer
for the future, with a visor that uses real-time data and augmented reality to support
operators.Â
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During a press event in Antwerp, Husqvarna unveiled a prototype of a lithium battery
with integrated Bluetooth connectivity - a connected battery. Tools equipped with the new
battery prototype will be able to share valuable information about themselves to their
user. The battery prototype can easily be paired with an operator's smartphone or a smart
watch, to either provide the operator direct information, or to pass on information to
other members of the team, such as other operators, managers, technicians or dealers.
"Battery and connectivity constitute the biggest leap in our industry since motorizing
outdoor products," says Kai Warn, CEO and President of the Husqvarna Group. "The connected
battery and our concept hedge trimmer demonstrate Husqvarna's commitment to pioneer high
performing battery products and leverage the possibilities of the Internet of Things."
Multiple benefits of real-time data
The requirement for landscapers to increase productivity and end-results calls for
high-performing and efficient tools. When powering tools with intelligence, landscapers
can start developing new ways of working. For example, avoiding downtime by shifting from
reactive maintenance if a machine breaks down, to proactive maintenance, as the tools
themselves can alert and prepare managers and technicians when they need service.
Other examples of opportunities from real-time data provided by the connected battery
prototype:
- Improving skills: Tools can give direct feedback and guidance on how to use them,
helping operators to refine their technique as well as help beginners use the tool in
a professional and optimized way faster.
- Improving safety: The new battery opens up new opportunities to improve user safety,
as well as to prevent theft by locking your machine so someone else cannot use it.
- Improving team communications: Getting an instant overview enables team leaders to go
from 'how did we do today' to 'how are we doing right now' and thus be more flexible
in adjusting directives or allocating resources differently if something unexpected
happens.
- Improving planning: With the data and insights provided by the connected battery, team
leaders will have better intelligence to support their planning, both short and long
term.
Husqvarna RamusTM - A design concept for the futureÂ
To manifest the belief in the potential from battery and connectivity, Husqvarna has
also created 'Husqvarna RamusTM' - an intelligent and super light futuristic concept hedge
trimmer that employs the same technology as in Husqvarna's connected battery prototype.
The concept trimmer features existing technologies from the forefront of several different
industries, some examples include:
- Super light cutting blades in carbon fibre and liquid metal, with individual
sensors on each blade to govern exactly how much power the battery should provide for
the job at hand.
- An augmented reality visor that uses data to support the operator in real-time with
everything from machine status information to projected cutting patterns while
cutting.
- An integrated micro camera that displays the cutting view within the operator's visor
when cutting high hedges or complicated angles out of sight.
The prototype of the connected battery and the Husqvarna RamusTM concept hedge trimmer
was unveiled on September 30th at an international event about the future of landscaping,
held by Husqvarna in Antwerp, Belgium. The prototype of the connected battery is currently
patent-pending and further details are to be defined.Â
Husqvarna Fleet Services
Husqvarna was first in deploying connectivity to outdoor power products and in 2014
'Husqvarna Fleet Services' was introduced - an online service platform that supports
landscaping professionals with data from smart sensors added on to products. The aim is to
integrate the new connected battery with Husqvarna Fleet Services when available to the
market. And just now, Husqvarna is launching a smartphone app version of Husqvarna Fleet
Services that further supports work in the field and increases crew involvement. For
example, the new app allows team leaders and operators to access assignment details on the
map and even record and submit new business opportunities identified by the operators
while working in the field.
Link to high res images and video http://www.husqvarna.com/silentcity