How Motion-Activated Screwdrivers Function

Power tools have always been cold and mechanical. They're shiny and loud, but do they truly understand you? It was high time a power tool was made that really connected with you — understanding where you're coming from and where you're going. Enter the Black & Decker GYRO, a groundbreaking innovation in screwdriving technology.

The GYRO might not be able to read your mind, but it’s great at interpreting your gestures. Twist the screwdriver handle even a small amount in one direction and the motor kicks in, driving the screw. Twist the handle the opposite way and the GYRO instantly reverses its direction.

It's not that Black & Decker has cracked the code for turning power tools into mind readers. The real innovation lies in the GYRO's built-in gyroscope. A gyroscope is a device that helps maintain orientation.

You’ve likely used various products that feature integrated gyroscopes. For instance, when you rotate your smartphone’s screen, a gyroscope ensures it stays right-side up for easy viewing. Many video game controllers, like those for the Nintendo Wii, also utilize gyroscopes to detect the intensity of your virtual movements, like swinging a sword or tennis racket.

The GYRO operates similarly. A slight twist of the screwdriver’s handle, about a quarter turn, activates the motor. The more you twist, the faster the motor spins the driver’s head, reaching up to 180 revolutions per minute, with a maximum torque of 42 inch-pounds (48.4 kilograms force centimeter), providing ample power for smaller tasks.

However, it’s not the power that’s truly innovative, but the sensing technology. All powered screwdrivers and drills can drive forwards and backwards, but typically require toggling a switch. That seemingly simple task can sometimes become quite frustrating. With the GYRO, though, there’s no switch — just twist and go, and the task is completed.

Another groundbreaking feature is the variable speed motor. Most electric screwdrivers operate at a single speed, which can be problematic when working with delicate or tricky materials. Thanks to the GYRO’s multiple speed settings, your screwdriving tasks can become much simpler and more efficient.

Although other companies may follow suit, Black & Decker is the first to incorporate gyroscopes into power tools. Read on to learn how engineers transformed one of your toolbox's most basic tools into a modern, gyroscopic device.

Exploring the GYRO's Features

The GYRO integrates several previously established power screwdriver technologies. It is designed to be a lightweight, portable, and compact tool capable of handling even the most hard-to-reach screws in your home. It comes with a 4-volt Lithium-ion battery pack for light-duty tasks. Unlike some rechargeable batteries, it can be charged whenever, with no concern for battery memory issues.

The company claims the battery pack will maintain its charge for about a year and a half, emphasizing the GYRO's intended use for occasional tasks. However, there's no battery level indicator. When the charge is low, the tool simply stops working and an LED flashes a signal that it's running out of power.

In other words, this tool isn't designed for extended use. It's built to assist with those tricky, stubborn screws that can be found around the house. To make your job easier, it also features a small LED light near the tip to brighten your workspace.

With every GYRO purchase, Black & Decker includes two standard screwdriver bits. Additionally, a two-year warranty covers any defects.

Using the GYRO requires a different grip than typical screwdrivers. The handle, shaped like a pistol grip, flattens out into a smooth, wide surface that fits comfortably in the palm. This large surface serves as the motion control activator, and since you’ll naturally press it as you work, you won’t even notice it. The motor will only operate when this activator is pressed.

Along with the activator, Black & Decker also built in a 45-second automatic shutoff timer to prevent accidental battery drainage if the motion activator is pressed against something like a roll of duct tape in your toolbox.

These specifications form the foundation of the GYRO. In the next section, we’ll dive deeper into what makes this tool stand out in the world of power tools.

Power in Motion

The gyroscope in the GYRO is clearly the star of the show.

When you press the activator button, the gyroscope collaborates with computer chips to pinpoint the exact position of the tool. This allows the GYRO to detect and interpret changes in its orientation as a signal to activate the motor.

The gyroscope used in the GYRO is the InvenSense ISZ-650, a Z-axis integrated MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) device built to withstand the tough conditions power tools are subjected to. The gyroscope chip is compact, measuring only 4 by 5 by 1.2 millimeters (0.15 by 0.2 by 0.05 inches).

Gyroscopes can detect movement in multiple directions, but the one in the GYRO is specifically designed to sense motion along the Z-axis, which aligns with the motor shaft.

When you activate the motion button, the gyroscope and computer chips record the screwdriver’s position, marking it as the starting point (position zero). As you turn the tool, the gyroscope and rate sensor transmit angular velocity data to a 16-bit microcontroller. The more you twist (measured in degrees), the greater and faster the motor responds to your input.

Gyroscopes sometimes require a bit of maintenance. Fortunately, the GYRO usually handles calibration automatically, so you won’t need to intervene. However, if you notice that the directional control isn’t as precise as usual, you can recalibrate the GYRO by pressing the button and letting it rest on a flat surface for five seconds. This simple step should restore the gyroscope’s accuracy and ensure the tool responds to your hand movements.

Although the gyroscope may seem fragile, the company assures that this tool is built to endure the same rough treatment as their other power tools.

This groundbreaking screwdriver is powerful and durable enough to stand the test of time, a remarkable feat for a device that’s sensitive enough to interpret your gestures.