Last fall, Bluesmart Technologies launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo to raise $50,000 for its self-titled connected carry-on suitcase. Within the first week, the project secured its initial goal, it captured $561,000 thanks to over 2,000 backers. By its closing date, the campaign raised well over 2 million.
The Bluesmart suitcase is high-quality carry-on that the user can control from their phone. Its size is 21.5” x 14” x 9,” which is a little less than most airline restrictions (22″ x 14″ x 9″). Using its app, the user can lock and unlock; weigh it; track its location; and even be alerted if they are leaving it behind. The user cal also charge their phone six times over thanks to the suitcase’s built-in battery.
Now, just a few months later, Bluesmart announced that it has teamed up with transportation company Uber to provide a new service called The Lost Luggage Recovery Concierge.
Bluesmart shared:
“No more waiting for the airline to deliver your luggage, along with hundreds of other misplaced bags. When airlines reroute mishandled luggage, Bluesmart users will be able to locate their bags through 3G-enabled tracking and then request a luggage recovery service directly through the Bluesmart app.
“Bluesmart will then coordinate with an Uber driver-partner to pick up the luggage at the airport and bring it directly to the user’s hotel or home. Bluesmart staff will work with the airline and the user in order to authenticate the ownership of the bags. This service will be provided free of charge and be available initially only in the USA.”
Other features of this service include:
Discounted ride to the airport: As part of the launch promotion, Bluesmart and Uber will offer users one free ride to the airport.- “Request an Uber”: When the users land in an airport, the luggage will recognize the arrival and immediately search for Uber cars that are in the surrounding area.
Co-founder and CEO of Bluesmart, Diego Saez-Gil noted:
“Our mission at Bluesmart is to empower travelers and make the planet a smarter and more connected place. We are very excited to announce this partnership with Uber, a company that shares our mission. With this partnership, we hope to reduce the hassle that travelers experience when airlines lost their luggage. We believe that technology should make our lives easier and that is the goal of this collaboration.”
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