Recorded at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025, Andrei Matei, co-founder of Robbox Tools, joined host Josh Cooperman on Inside Buzz to discuss how smart, connected power tools could reshape daily workflows for custom integrators. The conversation centered on Robbox’s long-term vision of consolidating multiple tools into a smarter, more efficient ecosystem designed specifically for real-world installation challenges.
Robbox positions itself as a technology company building tools for the AV and building trades, rather than a traditional tool manufacturer. Matei highlighted the company’s smart drill, which features a touchscreen interface, integrated lasers, and guided drilling capabilities. The drill allows users to set precise depths, receive angle guidance, and adjust performance based on the material being drilled—reducing guesswork and minimizing errors on site.
The discussion also covered Robbox’s digital measuring tool, which integrates leveling, stud detection, and laser measurement into a single pocket-sized device. According to Matei, the goal is to eliminate redundant tools and manual calculations by embedding intelligence directly into the workflow, allowing integrators to work faster and with greater consistency.
One recurring theme of the interview was adoption. Matei acknowledged that many seasoned integrators are initially skeptical of touchscreen-equipped tools. However, he emphasized that hands-on demonstrations and real-world use cases tend to shift those perceptions quickly. Once integrators see how multiple tasks can be completed more efficiently with fewer tools, the value becomes tangible.
Founded in 2016, Robbox Tools emerged from a background in manufacturing, where frequent reliance on manuals and reference charts sparked the idea that tools themselves should provide guidance. Matei said the company’s broader objective is to reduce toolbox clutter while maintaining productivity, ultimately helping integrators save time, reduce waste, and work more efficiently through smarter tool integration.
