Spectacular Laser System: Ready for Mass Production!

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a new laser system that is proposed for mass production, with participants exploring its potential applications, technology, and implications, particularly in relation to pest control and public health. The scope includes conceptual ideas, technical aspects, and speculative applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express excitement about the laser system's potential for mass production and commercial success.
  • There are observations regarding the technology used for target acquisition, with some suggesting it involves radar tracking stations.
  • Concerns are raised about the authenticity of the video showcasing the laser system, with a request for real footage.
  • One participant speculates that the system may utilize a digital image correlation setup for its operations.
  • There is mention of the project being linked to Bill Gates, indicating a notable figure's involvement.
  • Some participants discuss the feasibility of using lasers for pest control, particularly against mosquitoes, while highlighting potential issues such as targeting errors and economic viability for affected communities.
  • Concerns are voiced about the ecological impact of eradicating mosquitoes or introducing genetically modified strains, emphasizing the importance of considering ecological balance.
  • One participant suggests that developing a malaria vaccine and preventative treatments may be a safer approach than relying solely on technological solutions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism regarding the laser system's applications and implications. There is no clear consensus on the effectiveness or practicality of the proposed uses, particularly in pest control and ecological considerations.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various assumptions regarding the technology's capabilities, economic feasibility, and ecological impacts, which remain unresolved in the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in emerging technologies, pest control solutions, public health, and ecological impacts of technological interventions may find this discussion relevant.

Newai
Messages
33
Reaction score
1
Wow. Here's a video of the laser system. They need to get these manufactured and shipped out. And they're going to make a killing when they go mainstream!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYXPqrXZ1eU

Here's an article page on it:
http://www.boingboing.net/2010/02/12/video-of-gadget-that.html#more
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Those must be some awesome little-bitty radar tracking stations they use for target acquisition...
 
The video looks like an animation to me. Is there any real footage of this thing in action?
 
Danger said:
Those must be some awesome little-bitty radar tracking stations they use for target acquisition...

It looks to me like they are just using a basic digital image correlation setup.
 
Interesting project, kind of a laser-powered bug zapper. I can imagine how it might be possible to wall off an entire area with laser "nets," but targeting would be subject to an error rate, both misses and false positives. this would mean that mosquitoes would still get through, if only a small percentage. The problem is a small African village isn't going to be able to afford a star wars mosquito laser defence system...

I hate mosquitoes with a vengeance, but I have to say that the possible ideas of creating an infectious bacterial strain that kills all mosquitoes, or replacing the entire mosquito population by introducing malaria-resistant super-mosquitoes does worry me. Killing off all mosquitoes isn't an option because they play an integral part of the food chain, and making "super mosquitoes" that are able to overtake the natural population can easily have unforseen consequences.

It seems to me the safest option is a malaria vaccine and preventative treatment, although we aren't there yet.
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
9K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
5K
Replies
97
Views
17K