They consider cockroaches an ideal test subject, although the engineers behind the machine say their invention could be used to control a variety of unwanted insects.

If you can kill them, you can kill any pest,
– the head of the project, Ildar Rahmatulin, said in an interview with New Scientist:

How does the robot work?

Consisting of a tiny computer, two cameras, and a 1,600 milliwatt laser, the device uses “machine vision” to hunt down its prey.

So far, the tests have been promising, but there is a significant drawback – the device can barely keep up with cockroaches. The researchers say many elements of the machine need improvement. The next steps are to train the robot to kill insects by hitting certain parts of their body, particularly their abdomen.

Robot destroys insects with the help of a laser / Photo: Ildar Rakhmatulin

use of the robot

According to the creators of the machine, there are many options for using the robot.

If we are talking about industrial or agricultural applications, this is a very serious possibility. It is very cheap even compared to pesticides because laser prices are not that high,
– said Rahmatulin.

As for home use, the engineers stressed that this should not be done. They state that the safety of the device cannot be 100% guaranteed, as lasers can cause serious damage to the eyes.