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Comment by perihelions

1 month ago

This is safety-critical software: one mistake will blind a person.

> "Importantly, the device additionally uses millimeter-wave radar to scan its field of view for larger objects such as people and pets. If any of these are detected, its mosquito-zapping laser will not fire."

I note the startup doesn't actually disclose the laser output power anywhere, or what regulatory class that power level falls in. It's federal law[0] that commercially-sold lasers are labelled with this information.

[0] https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/1040.10

14 comments

perihelions

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alextousss  1 month ago

They do in a YouTube video on their channel [0]. It’s 40 (!) watts. They also show it shooting indiscriminately at any small object, with an example where they feed it foam chips.

[0]: https://youtu.be/Ta0f0oB4I-Q?si=WqlhTmVHVszXSjtU

  • perihelions  1 month ago

    That's more than enough to permanently blind someone with a partial reflection, i.e. you point this at an insect and there's a small polished-metal object somewhere behind it.

    • metalman  1 month ago

      In parts of the world bieng able to eliminate mosquitos(other more deadly bugs) will outweigh a great deal of risk assosiated with lasers.

      and there are things that can be done.

      heat and motion detectors that disarm the system if people/pets are present fields of fire that are above 99.999 % of peoples eyes fields of fire very close to walls, where mosquitos alight, but it is almost impossible to get in the way for humans multiple laser turrets that indivualy dont have the power to hurt a human badly, but can zap a bug through co ordinated action.....perhaps set up outdoors with artificial breath and infra red bait traps to bring the mosquitos above a crowd. more robust systems to be used in agricultural contexts. this will be about comfort and protecting vulnerable populations, mosquitos/other bugs wont be going anywhere, chemical control has proven to cause ecological probelms worse than the bugs, and the attempts at useing biological methods is only a partial solution.

      7 replies →

  • samus  1 month ago

    40W is scary strong for a laser. Almost like a nuke compared to a firecracker[0]:

    > 5 milliwatts is wimpy. We can do better.

    A 1-watt laser is an extremely dangerous thing. It’s not just powerful enough to blind you—it’s capable of burning skin and setting things on fire. Obviously, they’re not legal for consumer purchase in the US.

    Just kidding! You can pick one up for $300[1].

    [0]: https://what-if.xkcd.com/13/

    [1]: http://www.wickedlasers.com/arctic