Smart Suitcase

Thursday, January 17, 2008

So it seems that some Russians inventors are trying to solve the problem of having to lug heavy luggage when travelling. Just the other day while watching Smallville, it got me thinking about what the future holds (those Superman and Justice League episodes when they travelled to the future and what not – were definitely my favourites). I somehow doubt I’ll see the future which includes hovercrafts, silver jumpsuits or voice activated cars… all available and affordable for the everyday man or woman that is, but I’d like to think that this smart suitcase or even robotic suitcase is a step in that direction.

While the details have not yet fully been revealed, we do know a few things about this smart suitcase. Firstly, it is going to be expensive, we’re looking at around US$2000. The smart suitcase uses infra red and ultrasound sensors to not only follow its owner around, but avoid obstacles and even stop when reaching the edge of say, staircases. You’ll carry an electronic card, small enough to fit in your pocket, which will allow the smart suitcase to follow you as you make your way through a busy airport. Now this obviously has major advantages, like firstly, you won’t have to carry a heavy suitcase around anymore, or try to pull on one with rickety wheels. It’s handy if you’re usually a heavy packer, have a couple of kids to keep an eye on or just have that kind of money lying around to enjoy With a battery life of around two hours of continuous operation, this will probably work out being very handy for travellers who just can’t lug their luggage themselves.

Ok so what I’d like to know and am very keen on finding out, is what about security. I mean you’re gona fork out what’s a months wages to some people in the UK on a smart suitcase, what is gona prevent some one from just stealing it. I’m sure the infra red electronic card the smart suitcase responds to, isn’t that hard to replace. So security, very important factor I’d say. Perhaps some sort of alarm or something. LOL It’s starting to sound a little silly now… one of those beeper alarm thingies you get for your car.

Anyway, two other concerns I have for this smart suitcase is signal interference. In a busy airport with say 200 of these smart suitcases zipping about, surely there’ll be interference along the way. I just had a thought, what if your smart suitcase doesn’t get into the elevator with you on time. That’d be quite funny really. And my last concern is accidents. Sure the smart suitcase has a bumper and a headlight, which is great for manoeuvring around obstacles but what about bumping into people. I wouldn’t be too happy if a heavy, bulky suitcase scraped my ankle or even worse, knocked into an elderly or injured person or what about a wee toddler?

Well, I’m sure that these Russian inventors will have the kinks worked out soon enough. Until then,

Happy Shopping!