A demonstration of an artificial intelligence-powered suitcase, designed to assist visually impaired individuals as a robotic alternative to guide dogs, will be conducted at the Osaka Expo, set to open on Sunday. The latest model incorporates generative AI technology, enabling it to describe the surrounding environment through voice feedback. Equipped with a built-in camera and sensors, the suitcase can analyze its surroundings and provide real-time guidance to users. In late January, an AI suitcase was demonstrated at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, known as Miraikan, in Tokyo. Resembling a regular suitcase, the device activated when Chieko Asakawa, the museum's chief executive director and a key member of the development team, grasped its handle at hip level.

A group of five companies including the Japanese unit of IBM Corp. are currently developing an artificial intelligence suitcase to help visually impaired people travel independently. A pilot test of a prototype was conducted at an airport in Japan on Monday. The small navigation robot, which is able to plan an optimal route to a destination based on the user's location and map data, uses multiple sensors to assess its surroundings and AI functionality to avoid bumping into obstacles, according to the companies. During the pilot experiment held Monday, the AI suitcase was able to successfully navigate itself to an All Nippon Airways departure counter after receiving a command from Chieko Asakawa, a visually impaired IBM fellow overseeing the product's development. As soon as she gave the command via her smartphone, motors connected to the suitcase came to life, with the AI system providing voice guidance as it automatically stopped for doors and swerved to avoid people. The suitcase, which is small enough to be brought onboard flights as carry-on luggage, is also able to indicate the direction of travel through haptic feedback via its handle.