Las Vega is full of bright lights and in January full of bright sparks too. We visited the CES technology show this year and bring you this round-up of smart bags. Prepare to raise an eyebrow and the sheer level of technology packed into a piece of luggage.
Ovis hands-free carry on case
The Forward X robotics company have come up with a nifty carry-on bag that rolls alongside you as you walk. It is the world’s first AI-powered case that uses computer vision technology, artificial neural network algorithms and multi-sensor fusion that can move around obstacles and continue moving beside you – that’s just how it rolls.
You pop a smartband onto your wrist and it will let you know if your case is more than six feet away. It also has Quick-touch manual mode for use on stairs or escalators. It comes with a 93.6Wh removable battery with two USB ports for charging your phone or tablet.
It is available in four colours – white, black, silver and blue – this month from $640.00
MORE INFO: Ovis
Samsara smart carry on bag
This lightweight aluminium carry-on thinks it is a laptop table on wheels so you can use its flat top surface as a work table. It can also charge your laptop and mobile phone (the latter up to 10 times). Inside there are several organizational bags so your items can be packed more efficiently and double locks means it stays securely shut. It is partnered with a mobile app which notifies you in real-time about the whereabouts of your suitcase and even if someone has opened it when it’s out of your sight.
A nice touch is that a light comes on when you open the case in the dark. It comes in two colours, silver and black and costs $345.00 with free shipping.
MORE INFO: Samsara
Modobag – the bag that turns into a scooter
Modobag is a carry-on in two ways: it can fit into an overhead cabin on the plane and it can carry you through the airport. At a press of a button, it turns into a battery-powered scooter yet is surprisingly lightweight – 20 lbs – even though it is carrying a lithium battery. It is easy to manoeuvre and comes with a throttle, brake, and steer using the easy-to-access telescoping handlebar. And a cushioned seat. It has a side panel to stow your laptop and dual 5V USB ports to charge your devices.
How fast does it go: Top speed is eight miles an hour and it will have enough charge to get you from one end of the airport to the other. Price $1,495.00.
MORE INFO: Modobag
Scoocase – the carry-on that turns into a scooter
This carry-on cum scooter is made of aluminium and has a separate laptop compartment. It’s pretty agile too able to reach speeds of up to 15 mph and range of 15 miles. Scoocase has it’s own mobile app connecting via bluetooth which displays speed, distance travelled, distance left on current battery level, power consumption, battery charging, breaking, temperature, ballast or RPN (revolutions per minute). The app even has map location that lets you know if you will be able to reach your destination with the available battery level. The app will also tell you if the case has separated from you. Incidentally, the scooter part can be separated and used as a skateboard.
MORE INFO: Scoocase
Travel Fanny Pack charges your devices
More a carry-around than a carry-on, fanny packs are a travellers friend. Small enough to be mobile and big enough to carry essentials. Now they have become even more useful. This Side Pocket 100 per cent wireless charging travel fanny pack from Ampere comes with a built-in wireless input/output 13,400mAh power bank.
You slip your device into a hidden pocket dedicated to the power bank for cord-free charging. It is fitted with waterproof zips and outer shell, RFID blocking sleeve, padded back, hand strap, power bank battery indicator window, key fob and pen holder.
The Fanny Travel Bag is available from January 18th in black but if you want yellow or navy one you can pre-order for shipping in March, 2020. Costs $119.00
MORE INFO: Ampere