# Auto-Follow Automatic following technologies enter a variety of industries. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Feb 28, 2019 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autofollow ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.3/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## 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. ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 11, 2017 to Jan 4, 2019 - Published: Feb 28, 2019 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Auto-Follow trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Auto-Follow trend means for industry ### For 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 for Auto-Follow Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 65%, activity 55%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 65% - Activity: 55% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Auto-Follow trend 5 featured examples from Dec 11, 2017 to Jan 4, 2019. - [Self-Following Shopping Bots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shoppal): ShopPal the Shopping Companion is Debuting at CES 2019 (Category: Tech) Implication: The development of robotic shopping companions like ShopPal has the potential to revolutionize the retail industry by providing a unique and interactive shopping experience. - [Smart Self-Following Suitcases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airwheel-sr5): The Airwheel SR5 Suitcase Automatically Avoids Obstacles (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create innovative travel equipment that incorporates advanced robotic technology, providing convenience and efficiency for travelers. - [Robotic AI-Powered Suitcases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rover-speed): The 'Rover SPEED' Suitcase Intuitively Tracks Your Movements (Category: World) Implication: The travel and tourism industry can benefit from AI-powered suitcases by offering a more streamlined and technologically advanced travel experience. - [Mobile Hospital Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hospital-robot): Tug Can Deliver Food and Medicine to Patients (Category: Tech) Implication: The healthcare industry can benefit from integrating autonomous robots like Tug to enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency, and reduce workload for medical staff. - [Auto-Following Golfer Caddies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autonomous-golf-caddie): The 'Rover' Autonomous Golf Caddie Follows Along as You Play (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate robotics and automation into golf equipment manufacturing to enhance the golfing experience and improve efficiency on the course. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)