New self-propelled stroller launches crowdfunding campaign

A New York-based company, Smartbe, has launched a crowdfunding campaign for an interesting concept, the world’s first intelligent self-propelled stroller.

The company’s founder and father of twins, Guillermo Morro, said he developed the technology because he knew “how uncomfortable it is to push an ordinary stroller through snow in Manhattan, up hills in San Francisco or jog along the path through the heat and humidity of Miami.”

Designed by a team of industrial designers, robotic, electronic mechanical and product engineers, the stroller is powered by an electric engine and connects to a smartwatch and will maintain a close but safe distance to the wearer whether they are running, walking or stationary.

Smartbe has also included technology that makes the stroller fold at the touch of a button, and a system to rock baby to sleep. The unit also features a bassinet or seat with three automated canopies that roll down to protect the baby from the elements, insects and UV rays; a climate controlled environment; and bluetooth speakers to play music from from your smartphone so your baby can listen to some smooth jazz while they journey into the great unknown.

The stroller was launched on crowdfunding site, Indiegogo.com, on 19 January and is being offered for between $US399 and $US3199 dollars depending upon the features included. Smartbe said every stroller can go from a single to a double without additional cost.

Morrow claims safety had been one of the top priorities during the design process.

"A central processing unit continually monitors every component of the stroller and locks the wheels in case of any malfunction. When in self-propelled mode, a single tap on the handle bar freezes the stroller. Also, if the stroller goes beyond hand distance it automatically slows or stops,” he said.

With units not scheduled to ship until April 2017, the company may find it hard to attract customers willing to put their baby’s safety in the hands of a machine no matter how much functionality it providers.