An easy-to-use detector for safer drilling – the UniversalDetect from Bosch. It is the first digital detector for DIY enthusiasts that is controlled via touchscreen and guides the user through each detection job with step-by-step instructions. This integrated user guide minimizes application errors and ensures precise results. The UniversalDetect is designed for detecting metal, live cables, and drywall constructions. This makes it a universal helper for drilling – enabling users to avoid damaging existing wires and cables and to drill precisely into drywall constructions that are concealed in the wall. This can help when fitting wall-mounted cabinets, for example.
Integrated user guide minimizes application errors
The UniversalDetect is switched on and off using a button; in all other respects, it is operated by using the 2.4-inch color touchscreen. When starting up the tool, each DIY enthusiast is given a short introduction, including tips on how to achieve better results when working with the UniversalDetect. Take searching for live cables as an example: To detect them more easily, users should apply power to the cable or place their hand on the wall to ground it. It is also advised to scan over the same section several times to narrow down the area to the minimum where an object is located. Users can find more tips and answers to a whole range of questions at any time in the integrated help.
Easy to use and interpret results
Using the touchscreen, users can choose between the different modes for metal, live cables, or drywall constructions and start detecting straight away. The UniversalDetect detects metal up to a depth of 10 centimeters, live cables up to 5 centimeters, and drywall constructions up to 2.5 centimeters, which corresponds to a depth of two plasterboards. Two modes can be combined at a time for a detection job. As a result, users need only carry out one detection operation to determine, for example, that there are no pipes or live cables running through the point where they wish to drill. All modes self-calibrate automatically, allowing users to focus fully on detection. The UniversalDetect also has a wall contact sensor to ensure it is used properly. The sensor detects when the tool is not properly positioned against the wall surface, which makes detection impossible. If this occurs, the tool notifies the user via the screen, so that they can correct and position the Universal Detect correctly.
The results are displayed on the screen, via an acoustic signal, and through an illuminated LED ring, which uses a traffic light system to show the detection result: Green means no object was found, yellow means a signal was found, and red indicates a signal could be clearly assigned to an object. DIY enthusiasts can mark the place directly on the wall through a marking hole.
The UniversalDetect is available at retail outlets from now onwards. All prices are recommended retail prices including VAT. Subject to change.
| Specifications | UniversalDetect |
| Max. detection depth for metal | 10 cm |
| Max. detection depth for power cables | 5 cm |
| Max. detection depth for wood and drywall constructions | 2.5 cm |
| Display | 2.4” color touchscreen |
| Auto-calibration | Yes |
| Auto switch-off | After five minutes |
| LED | LED traffic light system with marking hole |
| Power supply | 4 x 1.5 V AAA batteries |
| Runtime | 4 h at least |
| Dimensions (length x width x height) | 255 x 90 x 51 mm |
| Weight | 300 g |
| Recommended retail price including VAT | €99.99 |
The Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH, a division of the Bosch Group, is one of the world’s leading providers for power tools, power tool accessories and measuring tools. In 2017, its roughly 20,000 associates generated sales of 4.7 billion euros, about 85 percent of which outside of Germany. With brands such as Bosch and Dremel, the division stands for customer focus and great engineering progress. The core success factors are innovative strength and pace of innovation. In 2018, Bosch Power Tools will again launch more than 100 new products onto the German market in its four business segments power tools, accessories, measuring tools and garden tools.
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 402,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2017). The company generated sales of 78.1 billion euros in 2017. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology.
As a leading IoT company, Bosch offers innovative solutions for smart homes, smart cities, connected mobility, and connected manufacturing. It uses its expertise in sensor technology, software, and services, as well as its own IoT cloud, to offer its customers connected, cross-domain solutions from a single source. The Bosch Group’s strategic objective is to deliver innovations for a connected life. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is “Invented for life.” The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 440 subsidiary and regional companies in 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. The basis for the company’s future growth is its innovative strength. At 125 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 64,500 associates in research and development.
Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com, www.iot.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com, www.twitter.com/BoschPresse.