London - Most travellers have fallen victim to excess baggage fees or an airline losing their luggage. But a “smart” suitcase that locks, unlocks, weighs and tracks itself could be about to bring such frustrations to an end.
The Bluesmart suitcase, expected to go into production in October, is controlled via a smartphone app connected wirelessly to the case.
Once the owner is logged on to the app, the phone displays the weight of the packed suitcase when it is lifted by the handle which activates its built-in scales.
Proximity sensors detect if you have walked away from the case and lock it automatically if you are not nearby. And gps-style software in the suitcase shows where it is should it be lost. The case also doubles up as a charger for phones, tablets and laptops.
Although still being developed, the case is expected to cost £120 (R2 190).
Tomi Pierucci, Bluesmart’s co-founder said: “We came up with the idea after suffering a couple of bad experiences with our luggage. Suitcases haven’t seen much innovation in decades, so we decided to design a suitcase for this century.”
Daily Mail