Scientists develop a laser AI turret to kill cockroaches

A team of researchers tested a laser device for detecting and neutralising insects, automated with computer-vision technology.

The system, developed by Heriot-Watt University researcher Ildar Rakhmatulin, is based on Nvidia’s Jetson Nano mini-computer.

“This solution has allowed me to employ deep-learning technologies with higher accuracy in object detection,” the researcher noted.

The mini-computer processes the digital signal from two cameras mounted on the turret to determine the cockroach’s position. It then sends this information to a galvanometer, which steers the laser to strike the target.

The researchers tested the device at different laser power levels. It was found that at low intensity the emission influences cockroach behaviour, causing them to respond to light. A higher-powered laser is capable of killing the insect.

According to Rakhmatulin, all the required components cost no more than $250. He published the data used, the assembly instructions, and the project’s source code on GitHub.

While the prototype is fit for academic research, the device requires refinement before deployment.

The researchers noted that a smaller laser dot proved more effective at destroying cockroaches, though difficult to implement experimentally. It would also be useful to control the regions of insect impact, according to the paper.

The researchers recommended not to use the AI turret at home.

“This is somewhat dangerous — the laser could harm not only cockroaches but also eyes,” warned Rakhmatulin.

In July, researchers at Rice University turned dead spiders into robots capable of grasping small objects.

In May 2021, scientists created an AI algorithm for recognising tiger mosquitoes in photographs.

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