Original URL: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/11/14/infrared_ultrasonic_electric_robot_luggage_pratchett/
Russians offer Terry Pratchett-style droid luggage
Remorseless motorised robo-bag impossible to shake off
Posted in Science, 14th November 2007 11:59 GMT
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Reports out of Russia indicate that a battery-powered motorised suitcase which automatically follows its owner will be on the market in 2009*.
No escape from dirty laundry.
Russia-Infocentre says (http://www.russia-ic.com/news/show/5136/) the Terry Pratchett-style mobile, smart luggage will track a "sensor-card" carried by its user. The manufacturers seem to indicate (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Frobotronic.ru%2Fshop%2Fminiatyurnye_roboty%2Fshowitem%2Frobot_chemodan_beggi_beggi%2F) that the card will sound an alarm if the suitcase gets lost.
The case itself will feature a gyroscope, ultrasonic and infrared sensor technology, and onboard software allowing it to handle inclined surfaces and sudden drop-offs. The battery - with built-in multi-national charger - will hold enough juice for "two hour traffic", and best of all the case will feature (http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl=en&u=http://www.travel.ru/news/2007/11/11/116900.html) a "water resistant hull" able to hold 30kg of cargo.
The makers say the design is named "Tony", after a famed Canadian robo-luggage designer (http://www.forbestraveler.com/gadgets-gear/hi-tech-luggage-slide-3.html?partner=playlist&thisSpeed=20000). They reckon the waterproof gyroscope ultrasonic infrared electric suitcase would cost just 49,000 roubles (£965).®
*Pinch of salt.