MAM
Samsonite forms strategic alliance with Panasonic to launch IOT Enabled Smart Luggage
MUMBAI: Samsonite and Panasonic have entered into a strategic partnership to create a new generation travel suitcase that intelligently interacts with the consumer. The collaboration aims to empower the smart travelers of today by bringing in technology solutions for hassle-free travel. As part of the partnership, Samsonite’s new product EVOA Tech will also have the Panasonic’s SeekitTM Bluetooth Tracker that will enable customers to tag and track their luggage for a seamless experience.
Seekit Samsonite Logo Unit Final V_CS4 3-01
Leaders in their respective industries for over 100 years, both Samsonite and Panasonic have rich histories rooted in creating innovative products that focus on meeting the changing consumer needs. On a path to connect with tech-savvy travellers of today, the two companies merge their expertise to create a highly-anticipated synergetic output: Samsonite with SeekitTM Bluetooth Tracker by Panasonic.
Together, Samsonite and Panasonic aim to address the global consumer need for higher security while travelling with this revolutionary product. As Samsonite with SeekitTM Bluetooth Tracker by Panasonic will be skilled in mitigating any luggage-related crisis through its ability to prompt, track, and raise an alarm if one misplaces their luggage, it not only minimizes one of the key pain points of the consumer, it also makes the experience of travel a smarter and much more pleasant one. The sleek Bluetooth tracker, SeekitTM, was developed at Panasonic’s Innovation centre in India.
Speaking about the collaboration, Jai Krishnan, CEO, Samsonite South Asia shared, “Samsonite is the global leader in superior travel bags & luggage combining notable style with the latest design technology with utmost attention to quality and durability. For more than 100 years, Samsonite has leveraged its rich design heritage to create unparalleled products.” He further added, “The intent of the launch is to provide the consumers with a superior technology-enabled piece of luggage which is feature-packed and changes the way they look at travel. We have added some revolutionary features like a biometric locking system, an inbuilt weighing scale & a USB Port. For developing the Bluetooth tracking software, Panasonic was a natural choice. Adding Panasonic’s technology capabilities into Samsonite suitcases will provide consumers a smarter and more efficient way to travel. With its intelligent features and smart design, Panasonic SeekitTM, fits seamlessly into Samsonite’s designs – and more importantly – in the lives of the tech-savvy, on-the-go users.”
Commenting on the partnership, President and CEO Panasonic India and South Asia, Mr. Manish Sharma, said, “We strongly believe that an association with key partners such as Samsonite not only gives us an opportunity to bring innovative technology offerings to a larger customer base but also expands our vision of connected ecosystem through our solutions-oriented approach. The IoT based solution was developed in-house at our Innovation centre in India, which works as an innovation hub central in developing technologically advanced and convenient solutions for our consumers across domestic and global markets.”
Samsonite with SeekitTM Bluetooth Tracker by Panasonic boasts of up to 14 different functions based on Bluetooth 5.0. Innovative features include the Separation Indicator so that consumers know when the luggage is around and get notified as soon as it is separated. With Bi-directional Tracking feature, not only does the SeekitTM help consumers find their luggage, but their phone too by just double pressing the button on the tracker. Proximity Guidance guides consumers towards their baggage whereas Find your luggage helps them identify their Samsonite luggage easily by tapping the buzz button on their app. The SeekitTM device also comes with a Selfie Button that allows users to click their best selfies while on travel. Moreover, by pressing the button on SeekitTM thrice, customers can send an SOS Alert to up to 3 contacts with their GPS location. Additionally, Panasonic is providing in-app language support in Japanese, Chinese, English, Korean for better customer experience and adoption.
The Samsonite EVOA Tech has additional features to its credit:
· 3-in-1 Smart Lock (with TSA-approved fingerprint lock, 3-digit dial lock, and USB port): The fingerprint-activated function of the 3-in-1 Smart Lock allows consumers to swiftly open the luggage with the light touch of a recorded fingerprint. Consumers can record up to (and later switch out) 10 selected fingerprints within the device, allowing the suitcases to be borrowed or accessed by friends and family with ease
· The EVOA Tech range also comes with an integrated weighing scale. Accurate and durable, the feature ensures travellers can always keep their luggage within the weight allowance, avoiding the displeasure of overweight fees in the airport. Integrated into the side carry handle, the user-friendly system promptly displays weight in kilograms. Customers can even reverse the display direction with a click of a button, making it easy to read the weight without straining a muscle
· The product range also includes a USB port for the frequent traveller to charge their phones on the go. Besides, it will also include an anti-theft zipper & aero trac suspension wheels
Evoa Tech, the new luggage range from Samsonite, will be powered by Panasonic’s SeekitTM Bluetooth Tracker to create a more seamless and stress-free travel experience.
Samsonite EVOA Tech with SeekitTM Bluetooth Tracker by Panasonic is an innovative, stress-reducing smart feature set to impress the contemporary & tech savvy travellers around the globe. The slim & sleek design of the tracker fits easily into the inner compartment of the luggage & the brand DNA, making it the perfect travel partner.
The product will be launched in phases in over 15 countries, namely Philippines, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Middle East (selected countries), China, Indonesia, Australia and India.
MAM
Ad:tech honours 2026: Full list of winners announced
Expanded awards spotlight winners across 22 categories as industry doubles down on intelligent automation
NEW DELHI: Marketing’s tech elite took the spotlight as the ad:tech honours 2026 returned with a sharper focus on AI, data and immersive media, signalling how deeply technology now underpins brand strategy. Held at Yashobhoomi on March 17, the second edition drew industry leaders to celebrate innovation that is reshaping engagement and performance.
Presented with the International Advertising Association India chapter and new partner Huella, the awards expanded from 8 to 22 categories, tracking the rapid convergence of creativity, automation and analytics.
The winners’ list reads like a snapshot of marketing’s future. In affiliate and partner marketing, Lyxel & Flamingo – Boat and Paytm Ads – Giva took silver. Mobavenue Media Private Limited struck gold in AI-driven dynamic creative optimisation, alongside a silver for Laqshya Media Limited.
Creative AI collaboration saw Rediffusion Brand Solutions Private Limited win gold, with Saltinc Consulting Private Limited securing silver. Laqshya Media Limited continued its strong run, taking gold in AI conversation agents and adding multiple wins across categories, including silver in GenAI-led creative and both gold and silver in interactive DOOH campaigns for Tanishq and Tata Coffee.
Predictive AI honours went to Strong Metrics and Tyroo, both silver, while Orient Bell Limited picked up silver in immersive retail tech. In GenAI-led creative, Laqshya Media Limited, Salt – Kotak and Sumimoto each secured silver, reflecting the crowded race in generative creativity.
Publicis bagged silver in influencer management and gold in performance marketing, where it shared the stage with Arm Worldwide and The Trade Desk, both silver. Glad U Came Private Limited stood out with gold in influencer measurement and analytics.
Marketing automation saw CereOne Media Pvt. Ltd. and Globale Media win silver, while ADMOTT Private Limited claimed silver in OTT innovation.
Programmatic media categories highlighted the shift to advanced targeting and connected screens. Mobavenue Media Private Limited clinched gold in connected TV advertising, with Animmoov Digital Media Pvt Ltd – Asus and Lyxel and Flamingo taking silver. Cheggout Services Private Limited won silver in retail media advertising, while Paytm Ads – Versuni secured gold.
On social platforms, Vayner Media India took gold in community and UGC engagement, with Under 25 – Oppo winning silver. Segumento rounded off the list with silver in the innovation category.
Jaswant Singh, country managing director at ad:tech India, underscored the momentum, saying generative AI and data-driven decision-making are now central to marketing impact. Neena Dasgupta, IAA mancom member and chief executive and founder at The Salt Inc Consulting, added that the awards celebrate not just technology, but “the people, the creativity, and the relentless effort behind it.”
Backed by Comexposium Group, ad:tech New Delhi has long tracked digital disruption. Now, with the honours, it is rewarding those who are not just adapting to change but engineering it.
In an industry racing towards automation, the message from 2026 is unmistakable. The future of marketing will be written not just in ideas, but in algorithms.
