Category
Tech
Delegated Interfaces
Trend cluster
Category
Auto-Follow
Automatic following technologies enter a variety of industries.
4.3
Trend score
Trend
What is the Auto-Follow trend?
Auto-Follow: Robotic technologies that follow around consumers or workers are on the rise and impacting everything from travel products to hospital services. Such products enhance and ease function in spaces that tend to be highly logistical and at times, inconvenient for those who interact or work in them.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the Auto-Follow trend
In spaces where they work or generally engage in, consumers appreciate tech-enhanced innovations that streamline errands and functions. Products and services that ease the purchase, professional or entertainment-based journeys are able to create better environments for customers and employees, who can then focus primarily on receiving the benefits of the experience without any inconveniences.
Trend themes
Themes within the Auto-Follow trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Robotic Technologies that Follow People
Robotic devices that can autonomously follow people and ease logistic functions are on the rise and increasingly used in multiple industries.
02
Integration of AI in Luggage and Bags
Artificial Intelligence-powered luggage pieces and bags are being introduced to market, which make possible for the suitcase to follow its owner along and avoiding obstacles.
03
Autonomous Devices that Increase Convenience in Public Places
AI-enhanced products such as grocery carts, shopping bags, and golf caddies are becoming popular with the public, as they augment convenience level when engaged in different tasks.
Industry implications
What the Auto-Follow trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Hospitality
Robotic following technologies can be used in hotels or airports to improve guests’ experiences by offering automatic luggage transfer, or hotel robot assistants that pick up guests’ meals or packages.
For
Healthcare
Robotic technologies that can follow medicine carts, or self-driving mobile machines can be utilized in hospitals to improve the attention that nurses and doctors give patients as they handle logistics tasks.
For
Travel
Luggage pieces that autonomously follow owners, freeing up travel hands and avoiding fatigue, may be an opportunity for airlines and manufacturers alike to offer a new level of convenience for passengers.
Workshop question
Conceptualize an autonomous following product that would benefit your consumers or employees?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Auto-Follow
Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 65%, activity 55%, freshness 8%.
Popularity65%
Activity55%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
South America
Africa
Evidence
Examples of the Auto-Follow trend
5 featured examples from Dec 11, 2017 to Jan 4, 2019CategoryTech
Self-Following Shopping Bots
ShopPal the Shopping Companion is Debuting at CES 2019
The development of robotic shopping companions like ShopPal has the potential to revolutionize the retail industry by providing a unique and interactive shopping experience.
CategoryTech
Smart Self-Following Suitcases
The Airwheel SR5 Suitcase Automatically Avoids Obstacles
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create innovative travel equipment that incorporates advanced robotic technology, providing convenience and efficiency for travelers.
CategoryWorld
Robotic AI-Powered Suitcases
The 'Rover SPEED' Suitcase Intuitively Tracks Your Movements
The travel and tourism industry can benefit from AI-powered suitcases by offering a more streamlined and technologically advanced travel experience.
CategoryTech
Mobile Hospital Robots
Tug Can Deliver Food and Medicine to Patients
The healthcare industry can benefit from integrating autonomous robots like Tug to enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency, and reduce workload for medical staff.
CategoryTech
Auto-Following Golfer Caddies
The 'Rover' Autonomous Golf Caddie Follows Along as You Play
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate robotics and automation into golf equipment manufacturing to enhance the golfing experience and improve efficiency on the course.
