The challenge
The increasing tourism and demand for air travel are leading travel industry companies to work on better integrating technology into traditional luggage. The goal is to enhance the travel experience and offer more relevant, personalized, and exclusive services for both leisure and business travelers.
The solution
Cubit designed a project for a leading luggage company that involved an open technological architecture with hardware seamlessly integrated into backpacks and trolleys, utilizing various technologies such as Bluetooth, mobile apps, and a cloud system.
The solution provides travelers with technological experiences and services in a rapidly growing market that is projected to reach $2.3 billion by 2022, according to market research. The system allows for easy future evolution of traveler-friendly features through a platform similar to a marketplace, where brands and third-party companies can add their own services and solutions. This business model has already been successfully tested by the world’s largest companies.
The architecture designed by Cubit is based on a unique communication bus that interfaces with various functional devices capable of interacting with an electronic control unit. These functional devices are part of an ecosystem that enhances backpacks and trolleys with a range of high-value-added services, including:
- A luggage handle with a built-in weighing scale that provides the current weight of the backpack or trolley via the app.
- A TSA lock, compliant with international regulations.
- A WiFi/GPS locator that indicates the luggage’s position, useful for preventing losses or unauthorized removals.
- An RFID reader to inventory the items in one’s backpack or trolley.
The mobile app allows users to interact with the entire ecosystem of functions and devices while keeping data and information about their belongings under control. Through the app, users can register and manage their bags, backpacks, and trolleys, lock and unlock their locks, activate an alarm in case of removal or theft by geo-locating their accessory, view its weight, and access the community and service portal for engaging and interactive interaction with the company.
Cubit focused on the need to transform and enrich products into high-value-added services to provide users with an engaging experience and build a more positive relationship.
Project Strengths
- Usability: Maximum simplicity and versatility for the customer.
- Portability: Globally certified technology that can be carried on any mode of travel.
- Efficiency: Battery performance and recharge capacity guarantee.
- Extensibility: Open technology for future evolutionary developments, including third-party integrations.
(Main photo: Maurizio Pesce – Licenza Creative Commons)
