Lebanese students invent the suitcase of the future

This little device could change the way you travel. It’s called the “Follow me Suitcase” and it does just that—so that you won’t lose you’re luggage or have to carry heavy bags.

Lebanese student Ralph Shalhoub is part of the design team.

“We are a team of five people and we invented a suitcase that follows you without the need to push it. We had the idea when we were at Dubai’s airport and saw how people were having trouble carrying their heavy suitcases. This is what led us to create this suitcase.”

The suitcase has several sensors and a central processing unit (CPU), known as the ‘brains’ of a computer. An on-board infrared system tracks an anklet worn by the owner – and then rolls right behind, with your luggage on top.

It also uses GPS and a Global System for Communication (GSM) with a sim-card, to sends alerts to the users’ phone telling them where the suitcase is. And your phone can work as a remote control to send the Follow me Suitcase instructions like ‘pause’ or ‘follow me’.

So far, the suitcase is a hit. The team took first place for their prototype at the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations and won a gold medal at the iENA, a trade show for inventions in Germany. Next up, they hope to attract funding and take their product to market.

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