US — The Verge
This electric screwdriver uses a camera and AI to figure out what bit you need
Devices1 min read
Arrowmax is building a smart electric screwdriver, the Arrowspace S1, that uses a camera and AI to pick the right bit. It is being sold first through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign.
A screwdriver that picks its own bit
The Arrowspace S1 has a small camera on its bottom. You point it at a screw head, and the camera takes a picture. An AI model then works out the bit type and size you need. A connected phone app shows the result. The screwdriver also picks a safe torque setting, which is how hard it turns, so the screw is less likely to be damaged.
Key facts and prices
- Screwdriver alone: about $79 preorder price
- Screwdriver with S1 smart bit case: about $129 preorder price
- Full retail price will be higher
- Shipping expected in April 2027 at the earliest
- Battery: 600mAh, claimed to run up to 90 minutes or tighten or loosen over 900 screws
Why smarter screwdrivers are appearing
Companies such as Hoto and Fanttik have already improved the design of electric screwdrivers. Arrowmax wants to go further. Choosing the wrong bit can strip a screw, which means the screw head gets chewed up and is hard to turn. That can turn a simple job into a much harder repair.
Why it matters
This shows how AI and cameras are moving into everyday tools. It could save time and prevent damage for people who are not sure which bit to use. Still, the claims about battery life and the smart features are the company's own, so they are not yet tested by independent reviewers.
What to watch
- Whether the Kickstarter campaign reaches its funding goal
- Real-world battery life, especially when automatic torque is turned off
- How accurately the AI matches bits to different screws
- Final retail price when the product goes on sale
Glossary
- AI
- Artificial intelligence: computer software that learns patterns from data, here used to identify the screw and bit.
- Kickstarter
- A website where people pledge money to help start new products before they are sold in stores.
- Hoto
- A company that makes electric screwdrivers and other hand tools.
- Fanttik
- A company that makes electric screwdrivers and other small power tools.