Scientists have created an autonomous laser weapon against cockroaches

Ildar Rakhmatulin from Heriot-Watt University (Scotland) and his colleagues built an inexpensive laser system that, using a machine vision system, detects and repels or eliminates cockroaches, effectively operating at a distance of up to 1.2 meters.

This is not the first project of Mr. Rakhmatulin in this area: he previously built a system that, using a Raspberry Pi single-board computer and a laser, detects and neutralizes mosquitoes. In the new iteration, the engineer replaced the computer with a more efficient NVIDIA Jetson Nano for machine vision algorithms. Using two cameras, the system determines the location of the insect; this data is converted into an analog signal with a voltage value from 0 to 5 V – the signal enters the galvanometer, which controls the angle of rotation of the two mirrors, and they, in turn, direct the laser beam in the right direction.

The inventor tested the operation of the installation with different laser powers: at low rates, the beam makes the insect fly – this more humane method can theoretically force them to avoid certain places; and at high power, the cockroach is effectively “neutralized” – in other words, the laser kills it. Mr. Rakhmatulin published all the materials on his project on GitHub and noted that the components for assembling the installation will cost no more than $250. Some enthusiasts, he says, have already begun testing his invention on other pests, including hornets. The installation promises to be more effective than traditional alternatives like mechanical traps and chemicals – the latter often damages the environment and destroys all insects, not just pests.

In future versions of the installation, the author wants to make the laser beam thinner and train the system to aim at certain parts of the body of insects. But at home, he still recommends not using his invention – it can cause damage not only to cockroaches, but also to the eyes of its owner.