It was only a matter of time before a self-driving smart stroller came along if only to help parents as they try to get on with their lives. Say hello to the Glüxkind Ella, a self-driving pram that promises to reduce your kid-related stress levels.
The Glüxkind Ella, designed by a Canadian startup Glüxkind, was showcased at CES in Vegas this year. It’s able to get around without human intervention — more or less. Using cameras placed around it, it can automatically brake and give a warning when there’s danger. It detects stationary objects, including people, benches, and moving objects like bikes. An alarm with lights alerts parents of possible collisions.
It operates on the same principles as self-driving cars. The sensor-packed stroller uses AI to detect obstacles, including pavements and hazardous objects on its path.
If you’re out and about and decide to pick your baby up from the troller, the stroller’s electric motors will continue along your path. It automatically stops if it meets obstacles that it can’t navigate past or if it somehow drives out of reach. A smartphone app tracks its route and distance and you’ll be able to locate it if it drifts away or if you forget where you left it.
You thought you could leave your baby in there and use your hands to carry other things, didn’t you? No, we’re not there yet. You’re still needed if your baby is inside. It’s still easier to push than an average stroller since it’ll give you a helping hand. It’ll only drive itself when it’s empty, so don’t even think about dumping your groceries inside while you handle the kiddo.
GluxKind Intelligent Baby Stroller Demo
Just like e-bikes, the electric motors found in the stroller make life easier, Otherwise pushing the 13.6kg stroller manually, especially uphill, could become a serious chore. It’s also able to automatically brake when heading downhill. This could prove helpful when jogging while pushing your little one along. If you get tired, it’ll just stop. That’s far better than inertia suddenly yanking you downhill as you attempt to slow down. It should keep up on the road, too. This smart stroller features a top speed of 6.5km/h.
To comply with safety regulations, it has sensors on the handle that ensure that it is held at all times if there’s a bum on the seat. It includes space for up to six bags, so you can hang your shopping on it while keeping your hands in the designated space.
Read More: The self-driving trolley problem: how will future AI systems make the most ethical choices for all of us?
About that stress reduction: in addition to making it easier to push and track, it’ll help rock your baby to sleep. The Glüxkind Ella has an automatic feature that gently rocks Junior back and forth. A built-in white noise machine helps them relax.
The stroller is available but you can expect to pay ridiculous sums for one. It’s unlikely to launch at retail in South Africa any time soon but who knows? A pram with EV and self-driving features will probably find a market among (well-heeled) young parents.
Source: Glüxkind, The Guardian