A Case of Real Genius

Last week at St Marys station I realised I had been very sheltered for the past few years. Carrying your luggage in the boot of a car is a lot easier than juggling it on a crowded platform.

I watched office workers with briefcases full of sandwiches rubbing shoulders with backpackers who walked effortlessly under loads that would test a horse. Mothers pushed strollers overloaded with toddlers and shopping while other commuters carried handbags, tote bags, plastic bags, and Gladstone bags.

Imagine my surprise when our resident genius, Herman Nutznboltz, strolled along the platform followed by his latest invention: a large suitcase moving under its own power.

It has four wheels, an electric motor, and a voice-actuated computer chip.

Although its repertoire of programmed responses is simple, the test run was a great success. On the command, "Heel!" it followed a magnetic insert in Herman's left shoe. On "Veer left!" and "Veer right!" it was able to move easily around most obstacles.

A security chip will be embedded in future models to discourage thieves. If anyone then attempts to steal the suitcase it will bounce up and down on its springs and bark like a Dobermann.