Luggage manufacturer Samsonite has partnered with Google to develop a new beacon-enabled tracking service that customers can have built into their suitcases.
The Track&Go service leverages Google’s Eddystone Ephemeral Identifiers (EIDs), a Bluetooth low-energy (BLE) beacon format that provides developers with more power over who can make use of the beacon signal.
Owners will need to register the suitcase with Samsonite’s Travlr app, which will then enable users to check the location of the suitcase within a distance of 70m (230ft). Should the suitcase go missing, the owner can flag it in the app as lost. Once flagged as lost, the Travlr app leverages its user base to help the suitcase’s owner find it. Should anyone else using the Travlr app pass within 70m (230ft) of the lost suitcase, then an EID-based signal is picked up. This triggers a notification with location and time details of the suitcase to be sent out to the owner. This means that the larger the Track&Go community, the higher the chances of retrieving a lost suitcase.
The next step for Samsonite involves collaborating with airports and baggage handling companies to grow the network of fixed Bluetooth beacons in the vicinity of the terminals. Samsonite plans to release its Track&Go solution in Europe by the end of 2016.
Ramesh Tainwala, CEO of Samsonite, said, “We’re excited to work with Google on this project to make sure that our beacons support Eddystone EIDs. Missing or permanently lost luggage is the nightmare of every traveler. As the world’s largest luggage manufacturer, we wanted to find a way to make this issue a thing of the past.
“As Samsonite is known for its innovative and reliable luggage and bags, we also wanted to work with an equally as innovative and reliable technology partner. By leveraging Google’s robust, secure and cross-platform approach, we feel confident that our customers will welcome this new solution.”