Robocase: world's first automatic suitcase coming to an airport near you
The world’s first robotic suitcase which trundles after its
owner automatically could be appearing in airports and train stations soon
despite security fears.
Travelmate cases are linked up to an app on smartphones
which record the location of their owner so they can closely follow them
without the need to be dragged or carried.
The cases are not yet in the shops but are available for
pre-order on the company website costing $399 (£320).
“Traveling is about to get a whole lot easier,” said
Travelmate Robotics founder David Near.
“Travelmate isn't just a normal suitcase. It's an autonomous
robot companion that follows you wherever you go and makes traveling much
easier.
“Our suitcase is smart enough to always follow you and avoid
any obstacles in its way. It can carry your stuff for you when you're going to
work, walking to school or rushing to the airport gate.”
The case can also be attached to non-robotic cases to also
drag them along with it. And it has an optional camera so that travellers can
record their journey, or even let the case patrol their home when they are
away, like a robotic security guard.
However there are fears that the cases could pose a security
risk or cause chaos in busy airports.
Heathrow Airport said it would be monitoring the situation
closely, while the Department for Transport said the luggage would be subject
to the same security measures at all times and people would be expected to keep
their case close to them or face it being removed.
The company said it had done its best to make the cases as
secure as possible. If somebody was to take the case it would sense that it was
no longer near its owner and lock its wheels to prevent it from being moved. It
would also sound an alarm.
The Travelmate is currently being crowdfunded on Indiegogo
but has already passed its first funding goal.
