The Secret to Building with Confidence

Jaibot, The Canvas robot and the Exoskeleton

We are committed to developing solutions that enhance workplace automation and improve ergonomics, alleviating repetitive tasks that put a strain on the user's body. One of our biggest achievements in this regard was the launch of the Jaibot, a semi-autonomous construction robot that aids operators performing physically demanding and repetitive tasks such as overhead drilling in mechanical, electrical or plumbing work. We equipped the Jaibot with a dust extraction solution that we further upgraded in 2022 to enhance its vacuuming power.

In 2023, we announced our partnership with Canvas, a construction robotics company that has developed a robotic drywalling solution that will revolutionize the way construction workers finish walls. Additionally, we have been expanding our markets for the EXO-S Shoulder Exoskeleton for overhead applications, which we introduced last year. 

BIM has transformed the construction industry, revolutionizing the way architects and engineers collaborate and avoid conflicts. But what does BIM mean for health and safety? With BIM, construction sites can become safer as potential hazards are identified early in the construction process. By creating a digital model of the project, clashes or risks can be easily detected and preventive measures can be implemented. For instance, if a 3D BIM model shows two cranes in close proximity, the potential for any physical clash can be identified in advance, allowing for site layout modifications that could prevent accidents. 

We employ BIM methodology to establish a comprehensive workflow partnership with our clients, enabling us to enhance productivity and ensure greater safety in their projects. Using BIM, we can effectively support our customers in achieving significant productivity improvements and enhanced safety measures throughout their project’s lifecycle.

To help to preserve the health of operators, tools need to be certified according to relevant international standards. At Hilti, we rely on the human body vibration filter add-in in Simcenter™ Testlab™ software. This is a certification tool for analyzing vibrations transmitted to the human body according to internationally recognized standards specified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 2631 and ISO 5349, and the European Standards (EN) 60745 standard.

To meet the demanding requirements of the construction industry, Hilti provides active vibration reduction (AVR) functionality, which allows operators to be less exposed to vibration, thus increasing the permissible daily use of the tool. The TE 3000-AVR is Hilti’s most powerful concrete demolition hammer and features low vibrations and a brushless motor. The AVR feature makes the tool less tiring to use, help to increase an operator’s daily productivity. 

In January 2022 we launched Nuron, a new 22V battery platform with additional pioneering features. The Hilti Nuron SensTech grinder unveils new anti-kickback technology, known as SensTech, and  features, in addition, 3D Active Torque Control (ATC) to help to mitigate the risk of injury. It works by using capacitive sensors to intuit the grip of the operator. If SensTech detects a user is losing control of the tool it activates an auto-shutoff mechanism. And the 3D ATC senses if the grinder suddenly jerks in one direction or spins-out. Either of these activates Hilti’s dead-man switch and turns the grinder off before injuries can occur.

With the introduction of our Nuron DSH 600-22 battery cut-off saw, allowing us to transition from gas-powered and corded tools to a cordless platform. By doing so, we can offer customers solutions that eliminate toxic fumes generated by gas-powered tools. Nuron cordless tools eradicate hazards associated with electrical cords, such as slips, trips and falls.

We were the first to launch a power tool with an integrated dust extraction system in 1995. Today, up to 95 percent of our tools can be used virtually dust-free. Our Health & Safety Competence Center in Kaufering (Germany) has its own Dust Lab, where our experts evaluate solutions to effectively minimize dust. 

Our Dust Removal Systems (DRS) remove dust at the source and collect it with powerful vacuum cleaners like the VC 20-/40-X. In 2022, we upgraded our DRS portfolio with the TE 4-22 and TE 6-22 cordless rotary hammers. We also introduced the cordless VC10-22 battery-powered vacuum cleaner, enabling our DRS and SAFEset solutions to be fully cordless. Our portfolio for jobsite and worker safety includes air cleaners like the AIC 1000 and 2000, which filter very fine dust particles. 

We believe that training and education are essential components of workplace safety. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of interactive training sessions for our users, in addition to our hardware offerings designed to enhance health and safety. Our training modules include topics like dust management and working with angle grinders, and we're always adding more to our portfolio. With on-site and virtual training options led by our experts, we have trained approximately 8,000 users in 2022 alone. We've also expanded our e-learning course offerings, with fully digital, flexible courses available in multiple languages. Following a successful pilot in eight of our markets, we'll continue to roll out our digital training portfolio in 2023.