Self-Driving Suitcase Launched

As much as people are waiting for the launch of self-driving cars, we do have some interesting news in store. There has been the launch of Self-Driving Suitcase at products revealed at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Few of the technologies that are being used to introduce self-driving cars were used in suitcases. The aim was to help the people who have issues carrying heavy weights, deal with the baggage.

California-based startup Travelmate has launched the “robot suitcase”. This suitcase can be controlled via a smartphone app. It can roll towards its owner at 11 km/hr speed, dodging the obstacles.

Read also: Honda made a self-driving cooler

Travelmate founder and president Maximillian Kovtun said, “This is really a robot which follows you around,” said

Artificial Intelligence was used by Travelmate to design this device. It is ensured that the suitcase matches the speed of the owner. It can also be used like a drone through the smartphone app.

The price of this suitcase is $1,100. In February it will be launched for USA market and later it will be available in Europe and Japan.

ForwardX, a Chinese startup is also offering something similar, but their suitcase would be operated through facial recognition instead of a smartphone app.

Founder of ForwardX Nicholas Chee said, “It uses computer vision and a driving algorithm to have a clear path.”

Moreover, ForwardX suitcase has another technology called gesture control. It can be used to make suitcase immobilized and protect it against any anticipated theft.

Chee said that the suitcase will be launched in mid-2018. The price will be below $1000. Chee said he expects the launch in mid-2018 at a price under $1,000.

As per Travelmate and ForwardX, their suitcases follow USA safety regulations. Their lithium-ion batteries can be removed, as the batteries are banned in checked luggage.