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I’ve been following progress on the Robbox xDrill, a brand new cordless drill that was alleged to be a sensible cordless drill “of the long run.”
The xDrill options WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen controls, and there was to be a supporting smartphone app. It additionally featured a pivoting laser distance measuring software and digital drilling depth management with automated shutoff.
The Robbox xDrill was introduced as a Kickstarter fundraising marketing campaign in July 2020, and by July 2021 it nonetheless had not shipped.
I checked on the Robbox xDrill progress a few month in the past, and it nonetheless had not shipped but. Nonetheless, there have been indicators that Robbox was getting shut, as they’d a preorder web page on their web site with a $499.99 worth for the usual package.
Taking a look at Robbox’s Kickstarter and Indiegogo crowdfunding campaigns, the final updates had been posted in March, 2022, with notes about digital chip shortages and app updates.
Backers have been complaining that they’ve but to obtain their Robbox xDrills.
I checked again now, and Robbox appears to have eliminated all reference to the xDrill on their web site. As a substitute, there are new listings for “Sennses” measuring gadgets.
Robbox posted about their xDrill through social media, with the final mentions predating the software’s removing from their web site.
It’s unclear whether or not Robbox scrubbed the complete xDrill undertaking, or in the event that they merely eliminated their preorder web page. Nonetheless, it’s by no means an excellent signal when a product utterly disappears from a model’s web site.
Judging from the marketing campaign’s Kickstarter feedback, backers are nonetheless ready for supply of their pledge rewards.
Robbox in contrast a corded hammer drill as “your previous, outdated drill,” subsequent to their “drill of the long run” xDrill, which was by no means marketed as having any hammer drill mode.
They stated you’ll be able to do away with that previous outdated drill, however have but to ship. I hope all of their backers held onto their outdated drills!
Robbox Sennses
Within the meantime, Robbox has introduced a model new product line, referred to as Sennses.
The Sennses Professional appears to supply a number of the digital measurement performance that was alleged to be constructed into the Robbox xDrill, and extra.
Robbox says the Sennses is the final word digital measuring system in the marketplace, with options comparable to a bi-lateral measuring system, two-axis digital leveling, stud-finding capabilities, and two-way work mild.
It has a built-in battery that recharges through USB-C, Bluetooth connectivity, and Robbox app help.
Robbox can also be providing some growth choices:
- Sennses Professional – $399
- Sennses Professional Laser Line Attachment – $189.99
- Sennses Professional 48″ Size Extension – $189.99
- Sennses Professional 36″ Size Extension – $159.99
- Sennses Professional 24″ Size Extension – $129.99
- Sennses Professional 16″ Size Extension – $99.99
Robbox says the Sennses measure accuracy is 0.03, and its stage accuracy is 0.03° – 0.1°, however they don’t specify past this.
Additional Dialogue
The xDrill was described as being “made for execs” and “wonderful for novices.” It was a “drill of the long run.” Two years later, and it nonetheless hasn’t shipped but.
As an apart, if you’d like a elaborate futuristic-looking cordless drill, there’s one on Amazon for ~$90 after coupon, though I do know nothing concerning the model. Xiaomi additionally has one.
So, what’s happening with the xDrill?
Robbox has not supplied many public updates, and it doesn’t bode nicely that the xDrill was scrubbed from their web site.
Robbox’s CEO stated in a Linkedin submit that they’ve been engaged on Sennses alongside their flagship product, the xDrill. That may very well be an encouraging notice that the xDrill has not been deserted.
The Sennses looks like an fascinating product. Comparable in essence to Bosch and Dremel 3-in-1 laser measurer merchandise, the Sennses has a base unit, and its performance will be expanded with add-on modules.
The Sennses Professional base system, with is a number of measuring and format options, is priced at $399. The laser line attachment is one other $190. Stage our bodies begin at $100 for 16″ and go to $190 for 48″.
You can’t truly purchase the Sennses merchandise but both – Robbox has them accessible for preorder as a part of a “restricted provide,” with refundable deposits starting from 25% for the Sennses Professional to 50% for the elective attachments.
It’s stated to be “able to tacking [sic] each residence and job web site functions.” However what varieties of customers is the Sennses geared toward?
Robbox’s Sennses announcement begins off with:
The Chief in Digital Energy Instruments Presents
I’ve to ask – what precisely makes Robbox a “chief” on this area?
Right here’s Robbox’s profile for an upcoming “MoneyShow” convention:
Robbox is an award-winning know-how firm that’s creating the primary technology of Good Digital Energy Instruments for the related world. By means of the combination of senses and intelligence of their instruments, Robbox is altering the best way individuals use, and work together with their handheld instruments for future generations.
I’m sorry, however the primary technology of Good Digital Energy Instruments for the related world?? Wasn’t that Milwaukee One-Key? There was additionally Ryobi Telephone Works, and numerous different sensible instruments.
What about Reekon, who delivered on their first crowdfunded marketing campaign and are anticipated to ship their second by the tip of the 12 months?
The Sennses merchandise look fascinating, but additionally very expensive. I’ve not but seen any stories of Kickstarter backers having obtained their xDrill, and so Robbox has but to show themselves as a reputable toolmaker.
Robbox cites semiconductor delays and shortages as why their xDrill hasn’t shipped but. But when that’s nonetheless an ongoing complication, how will they be capable to fulfill any preorders they’re accepting for the brand new Sennses merchandise?
It’s telling that Robbox describes themselves as an award-winning know-how firm, reasonably than a software firm. Nonetheless, Robbox wants to higher deal with the varieties of questions software customers have about their merchandise.
As an example, the Sennses incorporates a “precision-machined aluminum physique” and “high-definition LCD with hardened glass.” However is it drop-rated? Has it been drop-tested? Is there an IP score for mud or water resistance?
Their Sennses platform guarantees so much, and I could be optimistic if not for the excessive pricing and Robbox’s monitor file up to now.
