Beijing-based robotics company ForwardX has developed the world’s first vision-powered carry-on capable of following a user autonomously.
Called Ovis, the autonomous suitcase utilizes a camera and an AI created by a series of algorithms to enable perception, cognition and decision-making capabilities. Incorporated with an obstacle avoidance algorithm based on self-driving technology, Ovis is able to assess environments, calculate distances and avoid potential obstacles.
“We’ve pioneered several different technologies – most importantly unparalleled computer vision – to create the world’s smartest suitcase,” Nicolas Chee, founder and CEO of ForwardX, said in a press release. “However, it’s the underlying technology – the AI brain we’ve developed – that allows us to develop AI-powered robotic applications for an unlimited number of consumer and industrial uses.”
The TSA-approved suitcase can self-navigate through airport terminals, hotels and city streets. In the case of escalators or stairs, a manual mode that cuts motor power can be enabled.
Other features include a smart band for the owner to wear that will alert them whenever the suitcase is more than 6.5 feet away, a GPS tracking module and an intergrated charging port.
“Most robots today are programmed to do a single task,” said Chee. “Our AI-enabled robots can perform several different functions with very limited help from humans, similar to self-driving vehicles. We see that as the next true breakthrough in robotic technology.”
To learn more, click the link below.
