We sat down with Bruce McKinley, National Training Manager for Festool, as he discussed launching a new product, EXOActive, at the Workplace Health & Safety Show in Melbourne, and why events like that are key to the success of his business. 

For those who don’t know Festool, how would you describe who you are and what your brand stands for?

Festool solves problems for tradies with tools that help them work faster, are safer to use, gives the best quality finish every time and makes them money. Festool is a German manufacturer of high-performance power tools and systems, trusted by professionals for over 100 years. The brand stands for precision, durability, innovation, and user health, with a strong focus on ergonomics and dust-free working environments.

What industries or trades rely on Festool tools most, and what sets you apart in those spaces?

Festool is a go-to brand for carpenters, joiners, painters, cabinetmakers, and construction trades. What sets us apart is our system-based approach—tools, accessories, and storage solutions are designed to work seamlessly together, improving workflow, safety, and efficiency.

What product did you launch at the Workplace Health & Safety Show?

We launched the EXOActive which is a wearable, battery-powered exoskeleton designed to support overhead and repetitive arm work, reducing fatigue and physical strain for repetitive strenuous tasks.

Interested in EXOActive? Take a look at the product here.

What makes this new product innovative, and how does it contribute to improving workplace safety?

The EXOActive is innovative because it combines lightweight design, intelligent motion assistance, and cordless mobility. It actively supports the arms during overhead tasks, reducing muscle fatigue and the risk of long-term injuries like shoulder strain or tendonitis—common in trades involving overhead work like arborist, plastering, etc and jobs with repetitive tasks found in warehousing and logistics.

How does this solution help reduce physical strain or create safer, more efficient workflows?

The EXOActive gives 5kg lift support and allows users to work longer with less fatigue. This not only improves productivity, but also reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, a major concern in physically demanding jobs.

What did you hope to achieve by being part of the Workplace Health & Safety Show, and did it deliver?

Our goal was to highlight Festool’s commitment to innovation in workplace safety and introduce the EXOActive to businesses who face these daily physical challenges. The show delivered strong engagement, with many attendees excited about the potential of wearable tech the benefits this could bring to a business and employees.

What kinds of feedback or conversations stood out to you during the event?

Many visitors were impressed by how natural and intuitive the EXOActive felt when worn. Conversations often focused on how it could extend careers, especially for older tradespeople or those recovering from injury. The feedback validated the need for ergonomic solutions in the different fields.

How will your experience at the show influence your product development or marketing going forward?

With the kind of reception we received at the show for this new, innovative product which has applications across diverse industries, we will potentially explore other products with use cases beyond the traditional industries and look to introduce other innovative products in the market. The show reinforced the many different challenges in daily operations of a business and how costly workplace injuries are to a business. We’ll continue to gather feedback from real-world users to refine where the EXOActive is a solution.

What advice would you give to other brands thinking about showcasing at a trade show like this?

Don’t just show—let people experience your product. Live demos and hands-on trials create memorable interactions and build trust. Also, be ready to listen—trade shows like this allows the brand to learn a lot about the market.

Why do you think face-to-face interaction still matters when it comes to building trust in your brand and product range?

Face-to-face interaction allows people trial the product, to feel the quality, ask questions, and understand the benefits. Especially with something as personal as wearable tech, trust is built through real conversations and real experiences.

Interested in exhibiting at Workplace Health & Safety? Find out more here.