Autonomous suitcase startup raises $10M
First introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2018 in Las Vegas, the 9.9-lb suitcase – called Ovis – is made of polypropylene and carbon fiber and can move at up to 6.2 miles per hour. It is able to automatically follow its owner via computer vision that tracks a person’s body and face, even if they are momentarily out of sight.
Ovis is powered by the Robot Operating System (ROS) and includes a GPS locator that can be followed via an Ovis app for iOS and Android devices. It features a removable battery and approved locking mechanism and is compliant with TSA and other air safety regulatory requirements.
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The $10 million Series A funding round was co-led by CDH Venture and Eastern Bell Venture Capital. The company had previously raised $1 million in an angel round that closed in December 2016, shortly after its inception.
The latest round brings the company’s total venture funding to $11 million. The company has also launched a pre-order campaign on Indiegogo to help further finance initial production.
The company, which has about 100 employees, says it plans to use its capital to further develop its computer vision and self-driving technologies, as well as support its other consumer products and warehouse self-driving vehicles initiatives. In addition, it says, it plans to expand its operations in China and at its new office in San Jose, CA.
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