US-based Piaggio Fast Forward, the new branch of the Italian company that makes Vespa scooters, is posed to launch its first product this week. The Piaggio Gita Cargo Bot is a two-wheeled, self-balancing storage unit that will follow you anywhere.
Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) is a preexisting technology allowing the belt worn by the user to create a 3D point cloud map that Gita can read to locate itself in relation to you and the environment. Gita is 26 inches tall and its storage compartment holds up to 40 lbs of cargo. The SLAM allows Gita to match your speed; from a slow walk up to a 22 mph dash behind your bike.
You can even map out an environment for Gita and it will follow that path by itself with just a push of button. A three hour charge will give it power for about eight hours at normal walking speed, and if you are out at night, LED lights on the wheels provide safety and visibility. There is no reason to have to be bogged down carrying your own packages now that this little service droid can do it for you! Expected to launch on February 2nd in Boston.
