Laser-wielding device is like an anti-aircraft system for mosquitoes
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Re: Laser-wielding device is like an anti-aircraft system for mosquitoes
#2This needs to be sized up and made to defend against kamikaze drones. Soon, very soon, everybody will want this to feel safe.
Re: Laser-wielding device is like an anti-aircraft system for mosquitoes
#3This needs to be sized up and made to defend against kamikaze drones. Soon, very soon, everybody will want this to feel safe.
Wasn't this scaled down from such a device?
Re: Laser-wielding device is like an anti-aircraft system for mosquitoes
#4“the device additionally uses millimeter-wave radar to scan its field of view for larger objects such as people and pets. If any of these are detected, its mosquito-zapping laser will not fire”
I’d want to see some third-party testing around eye safety before putting this in my home.
Re: Laser-wielding device is like an anti-aircraft system for mosquitoes
#5Re: Laser-wielding device is like an anti-aircraft system for mosquitoes
#6This is safety-critical software: one mistake will blind a person.
> "Importantly, the device additionally uses millimeter-wave radar to scan its field of view for larger objects such as people and pets. If any of these are detected, its mosquito-zapping laser will not fire."
I note the startup doesn't actually disclose the laser output power anywhere, or what regulatory class that power level falls in. It's federal law[0] that commercially-sold lasers are labelled with this information.
Re: Laser-wielding device is like an anti-aircraft system for mosquitoes
#7Re: Laser-wielding device is like an anti-aircraft system for mosquitoes
#8This idea has been around for decades.
Microsoft alum fights malaria by zapping mosquitoes with lasers | ZDNET https://share.google/qd3yWi72Zk9yRyxoh
Re: Laser-wielding device is like an anti-aircraft system for mosquitoes
#9This idea has been around for decades. Microsoft alum fights malaria by zapping mosquitoes with lasers | ZDNET https://share.google/qd3yWi72Zk9yRyxoh
That is addressed in the article:
"The concept of a laser-based mosquito defence system took off back in 2007, when astrophysicist Lowell Wood (one of the architects of the USA's famous Reagan-era "Star Wars" missile defence initiative) raised the idea of a smaller, mosquito-targeting laser system at a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation brainstorming session on eliminating malaria.
Over the following years, prototypes were built, using freely available parts from cell phones and laser printers. A device was patented and demonstrated by a company called Intellectual Ventures, which was more interested in owning the patent than making a product. "
Re: Laser-wielding device is like an anti-aircraft system for mosquitoes
#10“the device additionally uses millimeter-wave radar to scan its field of view for larger objects such as people and pets. If any of these are detected, its mosquito-zapping laser will not fire” I’d want to see some third-party testing around eye safety before putting this in my home.
There is no eye safety - if it burns mosquito then it burns your retina.
And if you aren't moving, lets say sleeping, would the device decide it is ok to fire?
Instead of laser, they should have made a mechanical hand with fly zapper, fragile/soft enough to not injure people and pets, yet strong enough to kill mosquito. Or even like in that movie where kung-fu master catches a fly using chopsticks :)