Although it is open-source and inexpensive to purchase, the technology's inventor claims it is "a bit risky."
Everybody wants to be able to zap an insect and instantly make it
disappear. However, this fantasy is now a reality owing to innovation by Ildar
Rakhmatulin, a research associate at Heriot-Watt University, interested in
machine learning and engineering.
Rakhmatulin and his co-authors employed a laser insect control
device automated with machine vision to conduct a series of trials on
domiciliary cockroaches for the study, which was done last year but published
in Oriental Insects last week. They were able to neutralize and repel
individual insects at a distance of up to 1.2 meters and accurately detect
cockroaches.
It continued with prior initiatives when he utilized a Raspberry
Pi and lasers to kill insects. Rakhmatulin employed a new computer for this
project, allowing for a more accurate finding of the issue.
Rakhmatulin stated, "I started using a Jetson Nano that allowed
me to employ deep learning technologies to recognize an item with increased
precision. A tiny computer called the Jetson Nano is capable of using machine
learning methods. The computer analyses a digital signal from two cameras to
locate the cockroach. It sends that data to a galvanometer, which adjusts the
laser's direction to blast the target. A galvanometer is a device that monitors
electric currents.
THE LASER TURRET DESIGN THAT KILLS
COCKROACHES RAKHMATULIN ET AL./ORIENTAL INSECTS, AN IMAGE
The publication states that Rakhmatulin tested this arrangement
with various laser power levels. He discovered that, at a low power level, he
could manipulate the behavior of roaches by only inducing their flight reaction
with a laser; in this way, they may be educated to avoid hiding in a specific
dark place. The cockroaches were successfully "neutralized," or
destroyed, as the report put it, at a higher power level.
As long as others take the necessary measures, Rakhmatulin has publicly
made all the information and instructions available.
Rakhmatulin claimed, "I utilize extremely inexpensive
hardware and inexpensive technology that is open source. "All sources are
posted to my GitHub account, where you may use and see how to utilize it."
It makes sense that he indicated that others have already begun testing it out
with other pests like hornets. "If it can harm cockroaches, it can also
harm other agricultural pests."
The project is essential because it is open-sourced and because
the technology may have broad uses. It could make sense as an alternative to
pesticides that frequently harm the environment and mechanical traps that only
catch non-pest insect species. Not to mention, it's more portable and less
expensive than other existing pest-controlling technology (the report states
that all devices cost no more than $250).
Although the prototype is appropriate for academic study, much
more work must be done before it can be implemented on a bigger scale. For
instance, the report mentions that although it would be challenging to test
experimentally, a minor laser point might be more successful in killing the roaches.
According to the article, it would also be beneficial to precisely regulate
where areas of the cockroaches' bodies were struck.
Additionally, it is regretfully not yet ready for domestic usage.
It's not advised since it's a bit risky, according to Rakhmatulin. "Lasers
might harm your eyes as well as insects."
Keep your cockroach traps for the time being.