A Clock That Eats Flies

Hot Topics:

By Sean Michael Ragan
Posted 2011/03/28 @ 9:00 am
Category Computers & Mobile, Craft, Electronics, Science

This prototype clock from UK designers James Auger and Jimmy Loizeau is powered by a microbial fuel cell. It features a conveyor belt of flypaper that attracts flies and drops their bodies into the fuel cell. Depending on the available fly supply, the process can generate enough power to sustain itself and power a digital clock, as well. [via Boing Boing]

More:

In the Maker Shed

Gift Certificate

BeagleBoard BeagleBone Black

Telegraph Decoder Kit by Spikenzie Labs

Raspberry Pi Starter Kit - Includes 512MB Raspberry Pi

10 Responses to A Clock That Eats Flies

Addidis on March 28th, 2011 at 4:40 pm said:

Some things immediately bring to mind that picture of two hands drawing each other. Self powered bug zapper plus a clock for the win

Reply ↓
Andrew Sayler on March 28th, 2011 at 4:57 pm said:

Maybe this is a bad feature to include on robots with advanced AI….did anyone see The Matrix?

Reply ↓
Alan on March 28th, 2011 at 5:22 pm said:

That must have been a tough project to debug.

Reply ↓
- Sean Michael Ragan on April 8th, 2011 at 5:28 pm said:
  
  Magnificent.
  
  Reply ↓
Dimitri Ponirakis on March 28th, 2011 at 6:18 pm said:

I want a fly fuel cell for my iphone!

Reply ↓
- Daniel Kim on March 29th, 2011 at 5:14 pm said:
  
  It’s more likely that your iPhone would power itself by piercing your skin and drinking your blood while you hold it.
  
  Reply ↓
Robert Ely on March 28th, 2011 at 7:57 pm said:

The Matrix: Now a cautionary tale.

Reply ↓
Jill Hogan on March 29th, 2011 at 11:32 am said:

Now how about this for renewable energy, Thanks Duncan

Reply ↓
Anonymous on March 30th, 2011 at 1:09 pm said:

Would be perfect if they find a way to attract mosquitoes as well.

Reply ↓
Robert Alvarez on April 2nd, 2011 at 11:38 am said:

Awesome!

Reply ↓