MENU

Smart luggage startup shuts down after airline ban

Smart luggage startup shuts down after airline ban

Business news |
By Rich Pell



New York-based Bluesmart raised crowdfunding for its smart luggage on Indiegogo in 2014 but shut down in May 2018 as a result of new airline regulations.

“The changes in policies announced by several major airlines at the end of last year—the banning of smart luggage with non-removable batteries—put our company in an irreversibly difficult financial and business situation,” said the company. “The company was finally forced to wind down its operations and explore disposition options, unable to continue operating as an independent entity.” 

One of the key problems is that it takes five steps to remove the batteries in the suitcases, which use Bluetooth links to an app on a phone to keep track of the luggage. Airlines banned such battery-powered systems in the holds of aircraft to prevent possible fires.

The charging and software technology developed by the company has been acquired by US luggage brand Travelpro. Although the company is no longer shipping its connected luggage, the Bluesmart servers and apps will be maintained for several months.

www.bluesmart.com

Related stories:
‘Smart’ luggage faces ban by airlines, regulators
BATTERY MAKERS AND CUSTOMERS FACE TRANSPORT CHALLENGES
LITHIUM BATTERY SHIPMENTS ON PASSENGER PLANES FACE BAN
FAA SPARKS MORE SAFETY FEARS REGARDING LITHIUM BATTERIES

If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :    eeNews on Google News

Share:

Linked Articles
10s