Samsonite Forms Strategic Alliance with Panasonic to Launch IOT Enabled Smart Luggage
by Prashant Kapadia/NHN
Samsonite With SeekitTM Bluetooth Tracker by Panasonic aims to empower smart travellers of today for a hassle-free travel experience
New Delhi: 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 travelers 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 SeekitTM 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 SeekitTM 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 SeekitTM 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, SeekitTM, was developed at Panasonic’s Innovation centre in India.
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 SeekitTM, 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 SeekitTM 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 SeekitTM 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. The SeekitTM device also comes with a Selfie Button that allows users to click their best selfies while on travel. Moreover, by pressing the button on SeekitTM 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
Samsonite EVOA Tech with SeekitTM Bluetooth Tracker by Panasonic is an innovative, stress-reducing smart feature set to impress the contemporary & tech savvy travellers around the globe. The slim & sleek design of the tracker fits easily into the inner compartment of the luggage & the brand DNA, making it the perfect travel partner.
The product will be launched in phases in over 15 countries, namely Philippines, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Middle East (selected countries), China, Indonesia, Australia and India.
About Panasonic: Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development of diverse electronics technologies and solutions for customers in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, and B2B businesses. The company, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2018, has expanded globally and now operates 582 subsidiaries and 87 associated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of US$72.10 billion for the year ended March 31, 2019. Committed to pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the company uses its technologies to create a better life and a better world for its customers. http://www.panasonic.com/global
About Samsonite: Samsonite International S.A. (the “Company”), together with its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Group”), is the world’s largest travel luggage company, with a heritage dating back more than 100 years. Founded in 1910, Samsonite is the world’s leading luggage brand with an extensive legacy in trendsetting travel solutions. Renowned for breakthrough research, development and its commitment to innovation, Samsonite has since its inception excelled in a number of industry firsts which the brand proudly boasts of.
With strings of acquisitions, Samsonite has many brands in its portfolio catering to different target groups. The luxury crème brand includes Hartmann, while the luxury brands are Tumi and Samsonite Black Label. The premium brands are Samsonite, Lipault (travel brand exclusively dedicated to women) and Speck (mobile accessories). American Tourister and Samsonite Red cater to the upmarket urban audience while High Sierra is the ultimate adventure brand. Kamiliant, by American Tourister, caters to the mass category in the luggage sector. http://www.samsonite.com
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