Electronics

Delsey's smart luggage prototype offers built-in scales, fingerprint access and more

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Delsey's smart luggage prototype has a lot going for it, but not every feature will make it to the retail model
Ideas such as built-in scales to avoid extra fees at the airport, an internal light, and fingerprint ID access (via the connected smartphone) make a lot of sense
The prototype also allows travellers to make use of the supplied app to check that their bag has been loaded onto the aircraft and that it hasn’t been opened during transit
Delsey's smart luggage prototype has a lot going for it, but not every feature will make it to the retail model
View gallery - 3 images

French luggage manufacturer Delsey has revealed a prototype connected smart bag. Known as Pluggage, the bag links to a companion app, and offers various features such as fingerprint unlocking, location tracking and a built-in smartphone charger. The company is currently asking potential customers to vote for their favorite features, a number of which will be included in the final product.

Most of the prototype’s included features are right on the money. Ideas such as built-in scales to avoid extra fees at the airport, an internal light and fingerprint ID access (via the connected smartphone) make a lot of sense, and would add real value in terms of convenience and security.

The prototype also allows travellers to make use of the supplied app to check that their bag has been loaded onto the aircraft and that it hasn’t been opened during transit

Some of the other hardware features would also be welcome additions, such as the built-in smartphone charger, although we’re not sure about how useful or popular the slide-out speaker system would prove to be.

The prototype also allows travelers to make use of the supplied app to check that their bag has been loaded onto the aircraft and that it hasn’t been opened during transit. They can also enter their flight information, with the app providing details of must-see attractions and a destination weather forecast.

Delsey is currently asking users to vote for their favorite of the above features, with a top picks being integrated into a future retail version of the bag. The company told Gizmag that while it plans to integrate people’s top picks into the final bag, it isn’t yet sure just how many of the highest voted features will make the cut.

Ideas such as built-in scales to avoid extra fees at the airport, an internal light, and fingerprint ID access (via the connected smartphone) make a lot of sense

While the idea of smart luggage might not appeal to everyone, there certainly appears to be a demand for it. The Kickstarter campaign for Bluesmart – a connected carry-on suitcase that offers similar features including built-in scales and the ability to lock and unlock using an app – is currently nearing the end of its highly successful crowdfunding effort, having raised more than US$1,900,000 ... some 3,800 percent of its $50,000 target.

Delsey will be hoping to achieve similar success with Pluggage, however with the product still in the prototype stages, there’s no info on pricing or availability just yet. Check out the video below for a closer look at the prototype bag.

Source: Delsey

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2 comments
Norm Frey
First problem, TSA needs to open all luggage for airline travel. So an override key would allow thieves to break in. Secondly, fingerprint ID is old tech on gun safes, they should be able to adapt existing tech immediately. The companies that make the electronics for safe companies would be happy to sell the ready to go solutions.
Bob Flint
Besides what Norm mentioned, it needs to be waterproof, extremely shock proof, we all know how baggage handlers deal with stuff especially (yuppy gear) with built in speakers!
Has the device actually been tested in the belly of a plane, while you sit in first class sipping champagne?