A storage lift costs as much as a small car. A tool cabinet that lights up the right drawer at check-out and releases the lock costs about 40 to 120 euros in parts. Tulz supplies the firmware, the wiring and the parts list – the workshop fits the control into an existing cabinet.
At check-out the LED at the tool's drawer lights up and the electric lock opens for the set time. On return the LED shows where the tool belongs. Reed contacts report whether a drawer is left open.
How it works in the workshop
- Build – ESP32, LED strip, optionally locks and contacts; the help-centre guide leads step by step (Cabinet control).
- Load the firmware – create the cabinet in Tulz, download the firmware: device ID, broker address, credentials and root certificate are already in, only the Wi-Fi is entered.
- Assign drawers – give each drawer its storage locations, send a test light, done.
- Work – check-out and return as usual; the cabinet reacts by itself.
What comes with it
- Connection via the Tulz broker: nothing to set up, own credentials per cabinet, certificate is verified
- Own MQTT broker (Mosquitto, EMQX Cloud) for workshops that run their own infrastructure
- Drawer state live in Tulz: open, closed, last seen, signal strength of the controller
- "Show drawer" from the tool page when you are looking for something
- Condition on return and shrinkage report round off the control (Shrinkage)
Who it is for
Workshops with tool cabinets where searching costs time – and businesses that have to keep high-voltage or special tools locked away without managing keys.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be able to solder?
The circuit is simple: ESP32 board, LED strip and, if needed, locks via driver boards. Anyone who has wired a socket can do it; the wiring comes with the firmware.
Does it work without locks?
Yes. With LEDs only the cabinet is already a pick-to-light system; locks are added when tools need to be secured.
Does the cabinet keep working if the internet fails?
Check-outs and returns continue in Tulz; the cabinet lights up as soon as the connection is back. The locks stay closed without power; with the cabinet's own key it always opens.