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Insects

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10 Hilarious Ways To Kill Summertime Pests With Gadgets

Nothing puts a damper on summertime activities quite like an infestation of pests. The warm weather brings out all kinds of creepy-crawlies, and getting the upper hand on them is no easy task. There are plenty of traditional methods of handling the situation, but they all lack one key element—fun. Indeed, a twisted type of pleasure can be derived from exterminating these pests if you have the right tools. So arm yourself with the following gadgets and enjoy some sick summertime fun. More »

Feature

4:00 PM on Fri Jul 25 2008
By Sean Fallon
24,620 views, 61 comments

Latest by bpapa9013: @TerryinSt.Paul: HAHAHAHA!!! Fail! more »

art

Solar Dragonfly Flaps Wings Feebly, Makes Us Sad

James Watts spends his time putting together fantastic insect-bot sculptures, and the Solar Dragonfly is one of the best. The solar panels running down the body actually power the wings, which are then kicked into motion using a pager motor. Sure, it looks swell, but we can't help but think the Solar Dragonfly would lose its balance whilst flapping its wings feebly, all the while wishing it was a real dragonfly. How would Disney have tackled that one? A solar powered dragonfly that wants to be a real insect—now there's a cartoon we want to see. Pixar, hop to it. Hit the link for some more great shots. [Clockwork Robot via Make]

11:59 PM on Sun Feb 24 2008
By Haroon Malik
4,665 views, 8 comments

Latest by eaglei20200: The story is "The Artist of the Beautiful," by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the proto-steampunk story of a craftsman who creates a more »

robots

Discovery Venus Fly Trap Robot Swallows Bugs Alive

Sure, it's an easy enough thing to find a Little Shop of Horrors plant robot that snaps shut to kill bugs, then burp comedically. But how about a bionic Venus Fly Trap that lures insects, detects them with its hidden motion detectors, then gulps them down whole and alive? The bugs fall into the clear containment chamber, which you can decorate with mementos to keep the bugs from getting too homesick, such as a stick, a leaf and maybe a piece of cheese or celery. Doing this, the Discovery Channel Store explains, allows you to "discover a world of fascinating discoveries." And yes, they do take the Discover card. [Discovery via Ubergizmo]

2:00 PM on Tue Feb 5 2008
By Wilson Rothman
6,561 views, 28 comments

Latest by N/A: @Kaiser-Machead: I find it hard to believe a cricket could ever hurt a large mantis. I have seen a praying more »

gadgets

Spider Catcher, for Catch-and-Release Spider Hunting Fun

OK all you wussies, instead of smashing that spider against the wall with your bare hands and leaving a permanent stain, keep that eight-legged creepy-crawly arachnid at arms length with this Spider Catcher, made of stiff bristles that let you practice catch-and-release tactics in your own home. This device is even delicate enough to catch butterflies and moths without harming them. More »

2:00 PM on Mon Feb 26 2007
By Charlie White
4,387 views, 29 comments

Latest by Another_Andreas: Spider or other insect, if it comes into my house, it should be prepared for an unwelcome reception. I more »

gadgets

Insect Lab Clockwork Insects: Uh Oh

We got cocky earlier today with the mind controllable robot, and we've paid the price. Score one for robots in their epic battle with humans, as they've officially merged with the insect world. More »

3:05 PM on Sat Dec 16 2006
By Mark Wilson
738 views, 14 comments

robots

Robotic Roach Fools Real Ones, Teaches Them To Party Down

Europe, the same continent that produced conquistadors and the Inquisition, has now produced robotic cockroaches that scientists hope will influence cockroach societies everywhere. The scientists call the robotic roach an "Insbot" and it's nothing more than a tiny robot the size of a matchbox that's just oozing pheremones, causing the real roaches to accept it as one of their own. Complex mathematical models direct the robot's movement and behavior, as seen in this video. More »

11:54 AM on Fri May 26 2006
By Gizloco
255 views, 1 comment

Latest by blueadept1: The idea of using the technology to herd chickens is slightly impractical. Hens generally follow around the rooster. So, you'd more »