Sarteep Kader of Middlesex wants to take some of the pain out of holiday
travel (GB 2356179). Instead of lugging a heavy suitcase around, you stroll on
ahead while it follows obediently behind. The case has wheels driven by a
battery-powered motor, and its owner carries a transmitter that sends out coded
infrared signals, like a TV remote control. A sensor on the front of the
suitcase is designed to maximise the signal from the transmitter, so it tries to
stick close to its owner. The transmitter and sensor have matching codes so the
suitcase does not follow the…
Technology
Loyal luggage
By Barry Fox
11 August 2001
