Samsonite Forms Strategic Alliance with Panasonic to Launch IoT Enabled Smart Luggage

Samsonite and Panasonic have entered into a strategic partnership to create a new generation travel suitcase that intelligently interacts with the consumer. The collaboration aims to empower the smart travellers of today by bringing in technology solutions for hassle-free travel. As part of the partnership, Samsonite’s new product EVOA Tech will also have the Panasonic’s Seekit^TM Bluetooth Tracker that will enable customers to tag and track their luggage for a seamless experience.

Leaders in their respective industries for over 100 years, both Samsonite and Panasonic have rich histories rooted in creating innovative products that focus on meeting the changing consumer needs. On a path to connect with tech-savvy travellers of today, the two companies merge their expertise to create a highly-anticipated synergetic output: Samsonite with Seekit^TM Bluetooth Tracker by Panasonic.

Together, Samsonite and Panasonic aim to address the global consumer need for higher security while travelling with this revolutionary product. As Samsonite with Seekit^TM Bluetooth Tracker by Panasonic will be skilled in mitigating any luggage-related crisis through its ability to prompt, track, and raise an alarm if one misplaces their luggage, it not only minimizes one of the key pain points of the consumer, it also makes the experience of travel a smarter and much more pleasant one. The sleek Bluetooth tracker, Seekit^TM, was developed at Panasonic’s Innovation centre in India.

Manish Sharma of Panasonic India, Jai Krishnan of Samsonite South Asia

Speaking about the collaboration, Jai Krishnan, CEO, Samsonite South Asia shared, “Samsonite is the global leader in superior travel bags & luggage combining notable style with the latest design technology with utmost attention to quality and durability. For more than 100 years, Samsonite has leveraged its rich design heritage to create unparalleled products.”  He further added, “The intent of the launch is to provide the consumers with a superior technology-enabled piece of luggage which is feature-packed and changes the way they look at travel. We have added some revolutionary features like a biometric locking system, an inbuilt weighing scale & a USB Port. For developing the Bluetooth tracking software, Panasonic was a natural choice. Adding Panasonic’s technology capabilities into Samsonite suitcases will provide consumers a smarter and more efficient way to travel. With its intelligent features and smart design, Panasonic Seekit^TM, fits seamlessly into Samsonite’s designs – and more importantly – in the lives of the tech-savvy, on-the-go users.”

Commenting on the partnership, President and CEO Panasonic India and South Asia, Mr. Manish Sharma, said, “We strongly believe that an association with key partners such as Samsonite not only gives us an opportunity to bring innovative technology offerings to a larger customer base but also expands our vision of connected ecosystem through our solutions-oriented approach. The IoT based solution was developed in-house at our Innovation centre in India, which works as an innovation hub central in developing technologically advanced and convenient solutions for our consumers across domestic and global markets.”

Samsonite with Seekit^TM Bluetooth Tracker by Panasonic boasts of up to 14 different functions based on Bluetooth 5.0. Innovative features include the Separation Indicator so that consumers know when the luggage is around and get notified as soon as it is separated. With Bi-directional Tracking feature, not only does the Seekit^TM help consumers find their luggage, but their phone too by just double pressing the button on the tracker. Proximity Guidance guides consumers towards their baggage whereas Find your luggage helps them identify their Samsonite luggage easily by tapping the buzz button on their app. TheSeekit^TM device also comes with a Selfie Button that allows users to click their best selfies while on travel. Moreover, by pressing the button on Seekit^TM thrice, customers can send an SOS Alert to up to 3 contacts with their GPS location. Additionally, Panasonic is providing in-app language support in Japanese, Chinese, English, Korean for better customer experience and adoption.

The Samsonite EVOA Tech has additional features to its credit:

• 3-in-1 Smart Lock (with TSA-approved fingerprint lock, 3-digit dial lock, and USB port): The fingerprint-activated function of the 3-in-1 Smart Lock allows consumers to swiftly open the luggage with the light touch of a recorded fingerprint. Consumers can record up to (and later switch out) 10 selected fingerprints within the device, allowing the suitcases to be borrowed or accessed by friends and family with ease
• The EVOA Tech range also comes with an integrated weighing scale. Accurate and durable, the feature ensures travellers can always keep their luggage within the weight allowance, avoiding the displeasure of overweight fees in the airport. Integrated into the side carry handle, the user-friendly system promptly displays weight in kilograms. Customers can even reverse the display direction with a click of a button, making it easy to read the weight without straining a muscle
• The product range also includes a USB port for the frequent traveller to charge their phones on the go. Besides, it will also include an anti-theft zipper & aero trac suspension wheels