This Suitcase Follows You Like a Robot Friend

The 21^st century brought us smart suitcases, GPS trackers and drones, so why not combine them all into one product? That’s exactly what the people behind Cowarobot thought, building the world’s first suitcase drone that follows you around. These days, people need a rolling suitcase and a backpack, along with juggling a smartphone, wallet and passport, so it’s easy to appreciate what Cowarobot does for the average traveler.

Powered by a removable 100wh battery (which can also charge electronics), the suitcase is essentially a motorized drone on wheels that follows your digital wristband. It has various sensors to detect obstacles and steep drops, allowing it to follow you around a typical airport environment. The wristband (which also activates the smart lock) vibrates if you ever leave it behind, and it’s recommended you roll it by hand if there’s a lot of foot traffic.

The Cowarobot can move at a top speed of 4.5 mph for 12.4, more than enough to cover an airport at the average human walking speed of 2.7 mph. The suitcase is reminiscent of Rimowa’s stylish design, built out of aluminum and polycarbonate. It weighs 9.9 pounds when completely empty, on the heavier side. The mechanics are relatively small though, taking up just 4 percent of the suitcase’s overall space.