Perceptron, a leader in non-contact measurement and inspection solutions, announced this week that they are forming a strategic partnership with Bosch Power Tools in the Construction and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) markets. Perceptron previously announced it had signed a new partner in a press release dated April 6, 2010 but for confidentiality reasons was unable to identify Bosch at that time. At the 2010 Bosch New Tools event, we suspected that Bosch may have been the other side of that partnership agreement, but couldn’t say anything at the time.
Combining Perceptron’s expertise in optical devices with Bosch’s knowledge of the power tool market and expertise in battery powered technology has led to the development of a complete optical scope solution. Perceptron transformed the optical scope market when it launched its first optical inspection device providing leading edge optical design in an innovative hand-held solution. Both Perceptron and Bosch were founded on the belief that innovation and quality are the lifeblood of any company, a philosophy clearly evident in this strategic partnership.
Looking at Perceptron’s most recent announcement last month, it’s likely that one of the first joint products will be a modified wireless optical scope, currently designed as an automotive solution and distributed through Snap-On:
Perceptron announced the release of its wireless video scope. The wireless video scope represents a significant advancement in Perceptron’s visual inspection product line. Designed for the technician, it specifically allows a mechanic to control the imager/probe independently of the screen. The independent movement allows the technician to maintain a comfortable viewing angle while maneuvering the imager into challenging locations and orientations.
The wireless video scope is the third significant product Perceptron has added to its family of visual inspection solutions for technicians in the last year and a half.
The Dual View Imager has cameras pointing forward and to the side of the imager. The user can change his view by toggling a switch near the base of the imager. The Dual View Imager is the ideal tool for inspecting cylinder walls and valves. The Dual View Imager provides superior illumination and image quality that cannot be matched by scopes that use mirrors.
According to a quote from Richard Price, Vice President of Perceptron’s Commercial Products Business Unit, Perceptron is excited to partner with Bosch because their global strength in the power tool market, coupled with Perceptron’s visualization technology, makes for a “formidable” team.
It seems as if Bosch is following suit and attempting to enter further into the Test & Measurement market just as Milwaukee announced their new line of test & measurement products earlier last year. This is a huge market and having the bigger power tool companies take part seems to be bringing greater competition and economy of scale to drive down prices and increase quality of these tools for consumers and professionals.
Bosch has already launched the second generation of its 12V Max line of core products. Bosch has also led in the quality of its 18V lithium ion technology by introducing such key features as Flexible Power System (FPS), Electronic Cell Protection (ECP), and special Heat Conductive Housings (HCH) that ensure maximum performance and reliability for the user.
The upcoming optical and measurement products, details of which will be announced as they are launched into their various sales channels later in the calendar year, are protected by a number of patents. The initial product offerings will be augmented by other exciting new products and accessories incorporating new features, driven by cooperative research and capabilities that promise to keep the product line fresh and innovative for years to come.
About Perceptron
Perceptron develops, produces, and sells non-contact measurement and inspection solutions for industrial and commercial applications. The products from the Company’s Industrial Business Unit (IBU) provide solutions for manufacturing process control as well as sensor and software technologies for non-contact measurement and inspection applications. Automotive and manufacturing companies throughout the world rely on Perceptron’s metrology solutions to help them manage their complex manufacturing processes to improve quality, shorten product launch times and reduce overall manufacturing costs. IBU also offers Value Added Services such as training and customer support services. Perceptron’s Commercial Products Business Unit (CBU) develops and manufactures a variety of handheld visual inspection devices and add-on accessories for professional trades-people that are sold to and marketed through strategic partners. Headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan, Perceptron has approximately 230 employees worldwide, with operations in the United States, Germany, France, Spain, Brazil, Japan, Singapore, China and India. For more information about Perceptron, please visit www.perceptron.com.
About Bosch Power Tools
Bosch Power Tools and Accessories is one of the divisions within the $1 billion, 4,000 employee strong Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, which is the North American branch of the largest power tool and accessory manufacturer in the world, Robert Bosch GmbH. Bosch provides a complete line of corded and cordless power tools and accessories engineered to survive any jobsite and allow professionals to take control of their work. For more information, call toll free 877-BOSCH-99 (877-267-2499) or visit www.boschtools.com.
