2028. Packing for a trip should now take zero seconds.
At least, that was the promise.
The latest Smart Packing Robot, “PackMate,” automatically packs your suitcase based on your destination, weather, and schedule.
“Amazing, right? You’ll never have to worry about packing again!”
says Shota Miura, the proud developer of PackMate and a passionate traveler.
However, standing across from him is Misaki Tanaka, a pragmatic travel agency employee who isn’t so convinced.
“Go ahead, Misaki! Give it a try!”
Skeptical, Misaki launches the app and inputs: “2-night, 3-day business trip to Kyoto.”
With a mechanical whir, PackMate starts neatly packing her suitcase.
- Checking temperature → “Kyoto is 20°C. Selecting a light jacket.”
- Analyzing schedule → “Business dinner detected. Adding formal wear.”
- AI learning → “Based on previous data, you always forget sneakers. Adding them now.”
“Whoa… it actually works?” Misaki murmurs, impressed.
Then suddenly, PackMate stops.
“ERROR: Suitcase capacity exceeded.”
“What!?”
Misaki opens the suitcase—inside, she finds three sets of pajamas neatly folded.
“Wait a second! Is this thing actually learning?”
Shota scratches his head and grins.
“Well… According to previous data, last time you said, ‘I can’t relax without my pajamas.’”
“Yeah, but I don’t need three of them!”
A few days later, a complaint reaches Misaki’s travel agency.
“This packing robot messed up my luggage!”
“What kind of mistake?”
- Packed a swimsuit for a business trip. (Reason: “Previous trip to Okinawa detected.”)
- Only packed one sock. (Reason: “Minimalist mode was ON.”)
- Added two toothbrushes. (Reason: “User previously noted, ‘Having a backup is reassuring.’”)
“See!? I told you robots can’t be trusted!” Misaki fumes.
But Shota calmly replies.
“Robots aren’t perfect. But they’re great at understanding human habits.”
Shota updates PackMate with new features:
- “Confirmation Mode” → Before finalizing packing, it asks, “Do you really need this?”
- “Last-Minute Adjustment Mode” → Suggests removing unnecessary items before closing the suitcase.
- “Friend Mode” → Syncs packing lists with travel companions to avoid duplicate items.
As a result, PackMate’s satisfaction rating soars.
Misaki gives it one more try.
“Kyoto, 2 nights, 3 days. Confirmation mode ON…”
PackMate whirs and carefully organizes the luggage.
“Would you like to add one pajama set?”
Misaki bursts out laughing.
“…No, one is enough this time!”
Shota smiles.
“Now that’s what I call teamwork between humans and robots!”
