Next-Level Mosquito Combat: Tornyol Startup Unveils Bloodsucker Killer Drone
The Tornyol startup has introduced a promising development — a miniature autonomous drone capable of effectively destroying mosquitoes without using chemicals. The device has already attracted interest in scientific and technological circles.
What is known
Mosquitoes are one of the most deadly creatures on the planet. According to the WHO, they cause more than 700,000 deaths annually, spreading diseases such as malaria, dengue, and the Zika virus. The problem is especially acute in countries with tropical climates, where traditional control methods — insecticides and nets — often prove ineffective or too expensive, and the Tornyol drone is ready to challenge the mosquitoes.
The device weighs only 40 grams, and its flight is silent. The drone uses echolocation and a phased array antenna for spatial orientation. It is reported that the drone identifies the species and gender of an insect by the spectrum of sound from wing beats and physically eliminates mosquitoes using propellers. Algorithms prevent collisions with people and animals, and the "operator" can outline the device's area of responsibility, and it will patrol the designated territory.
According to the developer, one such drone can replace dozens of traps and insecticide treatments, with an operating cost 100 times lower than traditional methods. This makes the technology particularly promising for large-scale applications in developing countries.
Tornyol has already conducted successful laboratory tests and is preparing for field tests in regions with high mosquito density. It's worth noting that one of the startup's sponsors is the blockchain platform Ethereum — apparently, mosquitoes have bothered them too.
By pre-ordering for $100, Tornyol will be available by subscription — for $50 per month.
Source: Y Combinator
