This Robot Suitcase Follows You Wherever You Go
OPINION:
This is a very good idea since travelers will not have to worry so much about their luggage when they are in a hurry, it even has different functions like a small table or plug to charge the cell phone. With only the mobile the suitcase will follow you everywhere, and as it is in the cabin format there will be no problem to mount it
NEWS:
It’s that time of year: to over-order on the chocolates and flowers while you hit yourself over the head for forgetting to reserve a table at a fancy restaurant.
What do you get when you combine the convenience of a Roomba with the necessity of a suitcase?
The Travelmate is a fully autonomous robot (suitcase) on wheels that connects to a traveler's phone through an app and uses GPS technology to follow them wherever they go. It's capable of navigating large crowds, accurately matching your walking speed and can reach 6.75 mph in the event you're running late for your flight.
The Travelmate also features USB charging ports, multi-colored LED lighting and a built-in speaker that alerts users to upcoming obstacles. It has a battery life of up to four hours when in full autonomous mode and up to 100 hours when being used like a traditional suitcase.
Other highlights include a camera mount, a built-in scale to measure weight and a handle that can transform into a portable laptop desk or workspace.
The smart luggage is also fully TSA compliant and meets airline cabin standards so you won't be stopped even if you're turning heads.
It will be available in three different sizes, including carry-on at a price of $399. The larger Travelmate M and L models will cost $495 and $595, respectively.
The company behind the Travelmate has launched an Indiegogo campaign to help fund the project and expects the first suitcases to be delivered to its backers by June 2017.
