Science

Robotic Venus Flytrap Could Rid You of Bugs and Power Itself

Say goodbye to unsightly strips of sticky bug film and give a welcome to this chic robot version of a Venus flytrap.

Technologies for Robotic Venus Flytrap Could Create Energy

Why not just use regular Venus flytrap? Number one, if you’ve ever owned one as a little kid, they are harder to rear than you would think. Most people are also inclined to poke the inside of the specialized leaves — the part that senses a bug and clamps down — because it’s fun. But these leaves only clamp shut about six times during the plant’s lifetime; if you over stimulate it without a bug meal, it could likely die.

Also, the robotic Venus fly trap would be able to catch many more bugs than a live Venus flytrap, which usually only eats 12 bugs during a growing season.

But scientists see even more of a use for such robotic technology than just ridding us of pesky bugs. They believe it could be used to power, not only the trap itself, but other items.

Not one, but two prototypes have been created that mimic the Venus flytrap. New Scientist reports that scientists at Seoul National University in South Korea used shape memory materials, which after the weight of a fly causes a spring to snap the camp shut reopen with an electrical current through the spring. And, researchers at the University of Maine used membranes with gold electrodes, which bent in one direction or another based on a current passing through it. According to New Scientist, when the bug lands on one of the “leaves” it produces voltage that catalyzes another power source to change the charge and causing the leaves to clamp shut.

Technologies for Robotic Venus Flytrap Could Create Energy

A third group, researchers at Ecobot, have technology that can digest bugs, making this robotic Venus flytrap technology of interest to them. This technology, as well as one of the prototypes, have yet to be combined to test if it could work.

[H/T Gizmodo]

Comments (26)

  • ingvard
    Posted on November 4, 2011 at 9:44am

    I want a human size one for any home invasion

    Report Post »  
  • Gumbercules
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 1:06am

    Another thought, I can see liberals shooting this down – it will cause frogs to go extinct ;)

    Report Post » Gumbercules  
  • Gumbercules
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 1:05am

    So how many of these contraptions do I need to power my night light?

    Report Post » Gumbercules  
  • Diego Roswell
    Posted on November 1, 2011 at 3:59pm

    More gadgets to spend money that you don’t have on. Its cool to invent things and further technology for the common good, but come on.

    Report Post » Diego Roswell  
  • Hollywood
    Posted on November 1, 2011 at 12:52pm

    Now IF ONLY they could make one, man/woman size. I would offer to buy at least 3. One in front of Congressional doors,one in front of the Senate,and one in front of the Whitehouse. K.K. One in front of the Supreme Court too!

    Report Post » Hollywood  
  • avgconservative
    Posted on November 1, 2011 at 11:56am

    Folks: Go get some of the poisonous mushrooms from your yard. Put one or two in a styrofoam cup/bowl. Pour on some heated milk… just enough to cover the shrooms. Then place it on top of the cabinets, top of fridge, in a pantry where animals and children cannot go, but flies love to go. You will kill more flies than any contraption… guaranteed.

    Report Post » avgconservative  
  • JimmyP
    Posted on November 1, 2011 at 10:48am

    As my saintly borther Joe says…

    “Another solution in search of a problem!”

    or as a different Joe said…

    “Sure it works in practice, but do we know if it will work in theory?”

    I have a Brittany that catches more flies than any glass of stale pale ale!
    (would be nice if she would dispose of them…soggy fly carcesses all over the house! ecch!)

    Report Post » JimmyP  
  • thegodfather
    Posted on November 1, 2011 at 8:25am

    Maybe we could manufacture large scale ones for the Wall Street Whiners. You put a slice of pizza in there or a pair of Birkenstock’s, then when they go inside to get it…WHAM!! No more occupier

    Report Post » thegodfather  
  • Tracy Y. Andersen
    Posted on November 1, 2011 at 5:38am

    Hmmm, I remember a politician — can’t think of his name at the moment — who awarded a non-prize to “useless” grants that he then poked fun at.

    Now, I don’t see public money being used for this research, so I will let them alone on that point.

    What I do see is out-of-the box thinking, and the possibility of something good coming from this.Do you automatically dismiss things that look odd, and not allow learning to take place? What about high school science fairs, and the robot competitions, and such like endeavors, that teach our young folk how to think, and use technology, that will become the rocket scientists and leaders of the future??

    I applaud such efforts, and am tickled with the ingenuity shown. I love it!

    Report Post »  
    • Corsair
      Posted on November 1, 2011 at 8:32am

      I think that was William Proxmire and his “Golden Fleece” award.

      Report Post » Corsair  
  • Warm In The Desert
    Posted on November 1, 2011 at 2:38am

    Robotic Fly Traps should be able to catch and dissolve moronic articles prior to being posted here.

    Really, Is this all you have to offer?

    Report Post » Warm In The Desert  
    • Warm In The Desert
      Posted on November 1, 2011 at 3:06am

      Larger and much more important issues occupy the thoughts, desires and aspirations these the great and exceptional people known as citizens of the Greatest Country in the World. This website does a severe disservice listing an article about Robotic Plant.

      Report Post » Warm In The Desert  
    • BenInNY
      Posted on November 1, 2011 at 11:22am

      Does every single story have to be serious and pertinent to the exact things you want covered or will you allow us a break here and there?

      Report Post » BenInNY  
    • Kaoscontrol
      Posted on November 1, 2011 at 12:25pm

      Awe, lighten up. Don’t take the world so seriously… you’ll have more friends.

      Report Post » Kaoscontrol  
  • rotcarpenter
    Posted on November 1, 2011 at 12:28am

    This is how Skynet starts

    Report Post »  
  • RanScot
    Posted on November 1, 2011 at 12:26am

    How about a leftist trap?

    Report Post » RanScot  
  • lukerw
    Posted on November 1, 2011 at 12:24am

    My cat will love this!

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • Dougral Supports Israel
    Posted on November 1, 2011 at 12:16am

    Sticky tape is cheaper.

    Report Post »  
    • Cat
      Posted on November 1, 2011 at 6:31am

      Two additional suggestions;
      A real Venus flytrap
      A tall glass, filled ¼ with old beer and a teaspoon of liquid soap

      Report Post » Cat  

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