KYOTO, Japan – Kyoto Tool Co., Ltd. (KTC) (TOKYO:5966), Japan’s No.1 industrial tool manufacturer, is proud to announce that its “nepros ID” IoT-ready tools with built-in RFID technology have been nominated as a “Finalist” in the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) 2025, and were further highlighted as a “Featured Finalist” on the official IDEA website.

The official IDEA gallery page for nepros ID can be viewed here:
https://www.idsa.org/awards-recognition/idea/idea-gallery/nepros-id-rfid-tools/

About the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA)
The IDEA is an international design award organized by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). It is counted as one of the world’s three major design awards, alongside the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award. Established in 1980, the award evaluates excellent design from multiple perspectives, including product aesthetics, usability, social significance, and sustainability.

Features of the Nominated “nepros ID” Series
The “nepros ID” series, which was recognized as a Finalist, is an MRO tool line that incorporates RFID tracking technology from the design stage. It offers a wide lineup including sockets, ratchet handles, and wrenches.
The “nepros ID” series, which is designed to dramatically transform tool management in the aerospace, MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), and other industries, was jointly developed with Xerafy Singapore Pte Ltd. (a leading company for industrial RFID tags).
By integrating KTC’s cultivated design technology with the world’s first omni-directional high-performance RFID tag, the system achieves tool tracking while maintaining the tool’s quality and usability, and minimizing the risk of FOD*.

Key points of the evaluation:
• World’s First Structure: The product realizes a world-first structure by embedding the RFID tag directly inside the tool. This overcomes conventional challenges such as metal interference and tag detachment.
• Omni-Directional Readability: By integrating RFID technology during the design process, rather than attaching tags to existing tools, the tools allow for reading from all directions. This enables real-time tool tracking while ensuring high operability.
• Robust Design: The smart, integrated design maintains the strength, precision, and durability required in extremely demanding environments, such as aircraft maintenance.
• Social Value: The design philosophy, which merges the aesthetic and functional beauty of tools, and its high social value in reducing the burden on mechanics and improving safety were also recognized.

*FOD (Foreign Object Debris) refers to foreign objects that can damage aircraft engines, etc.. Tools left behind during maintenance are a major FOD factor, making tool management extremely critical in the aircraft MRO industry.

Related Links
• nepros ID RFID Tools – Industrial Designers Society of America
• nepros ID | Next-generation Trackable Tools
• Xerafy #1 RFID Engineering Since 2010

Contact:
nepros ID team (RFID Department), KTC, neprosid@kyototool.co.jp

About KTC:
Founded in 1950 in Kyoto, Japan, KTC holds traditional craftsmanship in high regard. The high functionality of KTC tools is accompanied by an inherent beauty. As Japan’s top tool manufacturer, KTC partners with the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team in the WRC. For more information, visit ktc.jp.