From hand tools and accessories to heavy-duty power tools, innovation is the key to improving performance. Milwaukee, a power tool company known for its lithium-ion technology, has gone to the frontline and the Hong Kong Institute of Construction to introduce its tools and gather ideas for developing new products through user experience. Ir Thomas HO, Chairman of the Construction Industry Council (CIC) and Mr. CHAN Kim-kwong, Council Member of the CIC, visited Milwaukee's Asian headquarter in Hong Kong earlier. They learnt how the team broke new grounds to make traditional industrial tools to emit less carbon and create a safer work environment.
Highly Compatible Battery System Unleashes Potential
Traditional industrial tools are mostly fuel-powered, emitting exhaust gas and causing pollution, which may affect the health and safety of construction workers. In addition to power tools, Milwaukee has developed the MX FUEL™ battery-compatible system which is suitable for all products in the same series, including 350mm cut-off saw, 25 KG demolition breaker, handheld drill and other cordless industrial tools. The cordless tower light with a maximum of 27,000 lumens is also battery operated and can extend up to three meters tall by just pressing a button. Mr. CHAN Kim-kwong, believes that the innovative cordless feature helps a lot on reducing the risk of electricity leakage.
Machine Learning and Auto-stop Technology
In the era of big data, machine learning has become a major trend. The printed circuit boards (PCB) of Milwaukee collect data such as the strength of users and the duration of force, and then analyzing and applying it to improve while developing the next generation of products. In addition to the pursuit of performance, safety is also an important consideration for power tools. When using large tools with high torque, the drilling could be easily skewed causing reaction force. Novice users may easily get injured. The team has therefore added the "AUTOSTOP™" function to the product, which automatically stops the tool when it senses deviation from the drill hole, greatly reducing the chance of accidents.
CITF Helps Popularize Innovative Power Tools
The Construction Industry Innovation and Technology Fund (CITF) actively encourages the industry to adopt innovative construction methods and technologies that promote productivity, uplift quality, improve site safety and enhance environmental benefits. Milwaukee (Hong Kong) currently has four tools on the pre-approved list, including the LED long-range stand light, handheld core drill, demolition breaker and cut-off saw. The team is also applying for a power supply system to be added to the list so that more construction companies and workers can access and use power tools.
Exchange with Hong Kong Institute of Construction
The team wants to change the traditional way of working in the industry and believes that it is most effective to start with educating the younger generation. They visited the Hong Kong Institute of Construction earlier to give talks and exchanges ideas. Students were given chances to try out a variety of power tools with an aim to help them understand and become familiar with the latest tools before they start working in the construction industry. Mr. Jackie CHAN, Commercial Director of Milwaukee (Hong Kong), said that not only the young trainees were enthusiastic, the instructors were also thrilled to try new technologies and solutions. He hopes to regularise the exchange program, so that safe and low-carbon power tools will benefit the industry. Ir Thomas HO also expressed his enthusiasm and hope that this is just the beginning of the collaborative effort to bring power tools and more construction innovations to the frontline and build the future together.
