With the “Internet of Things” already ushering in a completely new world of device interaction, it’s no surprise that even mundane appliances like coffee makers are starting to come with built-in WiFi.
Looking to take the “Internet of Things” to even stranger new places, Samsung and Samsonite are reportedly working together to bring you smart luggage. While the notion of smart luggage, at first glance, seems somewhat preposterous, a few interesting use cases do present themselves.
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For instance, one possible implementation would see smart luggage items embedded with GPS chips so that travelers would be able to more easily locate lost or stolen pieces of luggage. What’s more, connected luggage might also be able to alert owners when someone is trying to open up their closed suitcase without permission.
One of the more intriguing and perhaps ambitious goals of the Samsung/Samsonite partnership involves an effort to modernize the airport check-in process.
The Daily Mail reports that Samsonite is already working closely with a few airlines to develop luggage that can check itself in.
The airlines are working on technology that means as soon as a passenger arrives at the airport the chip would identify who owns the bag. It will then be remotely programmed with details such as the airline and destination, and rather like the baggage carousels at the end of a journey, passengers will just leave their bags on a conveyor.
What’s more, Samsonite is reportedly also working on self-propelling luggage that, in theory, will be able casually roll alongside you as you walk through the airport.
