Consumer Electronic Show (CES) 2016 included many innovative products, including smart appliances, electric cars, and NUA Robotics' hands-free luggage carrier. The robotic suitcase is equipped with a camera and Bluetooth connectivity, and designed to follow people around like a puppy.
However, the suitcase does not just follow its owner. It can use "proximity detection" to avoid objects in its way.
The robotic suitcase can also figure out its weight and location. Its built-in scale could be very useful to help travelers to avoid packing over the weight limit when preparing for a vacation or business trip.
Owners can use a mobile app to communicate with the new device. Smartphones receive data from the luggage carrier in real time.
The smart suitcase from the Israel robotics company even includes an anti-theft alarm. It also features dedicated USB charging ports for juicing up devices such as smartphones and tablets, according to Malay Mail Online.
NUA Robotics' suitcase is still in the testing phase, but a prototype was showcased at CES 2016. Co-founder and CEO Alex Libman shared that a commercial version of the luggage carrier could be available within one year, according to Tech News Today.
Libman told Mashable that the smart suitcase's tech could be used for other items in the future. They include supermarket shopping carts.
Prototypes of similar products have been made in the past. However, NUA Robotics' product could be the first one sold on the retail market.
If the commercial version of the suitcase is produced, it would make life easier for travelers. The product would provide hands-free walking through crowded airports, bus terminals, and hotel lobbies, and help to prevent losing luggage.
Luggage-tracking tech has been growing in popularity in recent years. Bluesmart is another type of smart carry-on suitcase. It includes a built-in GPS location tracking and distance alerts when travelers leave their luggage by accident.
Another new gadget for hands-free suitcases is Trackdot. The small device is put inside baggage and sends owners text messages or email alerts about its location when the plane lands at its destination.
The Telegraph reports that 24.1 million pieces of luggage were lost in 2014. That is 7.3 bags for every 1,000 passengers.
Here's a first look at NUA Robotics' smart suitcase: