Mosquito killer retailing for $988 swears to battle rising California West Nile threat

As West Nile Virus creeps into California, a new AI-powered mosquito killer could be just what Californians need to protect them from the world’s deadliest creature.

The Photon Matrix is a high-tech zapper combines futuristic light detection and ranging technology (LiDAR), radar, with AI directing a precision laser to detect mosquitoes and zap them dead with a blue laser.

It’s been dubbed “an Iron Dome for mosquitoes” by one robotics commentator on X.

According to the Chinese start-up, the device is designed to target multiple kinds of mosquitoes, but avoids other flying insects like butterflies.

Warmer temperatures have increased the mosquito population and lengthened mosquito season in recent years. Earlier this month, the second Californian this year died from West Nile Virus, a deadly mosquito-borne disease.

As of August 14, the California Department of Public Health has reported 30 human cases of the disease, a five-year high.

The virus produces no symptoms in 80% of cases, but in severe ones, those infected may experience fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, joint pain, confusion, and altered consciousness.

Photon Matrix’s device can reportedly detect and kill insects as small as 2mm flying at speeds of up to 3.3 feet per second.

“Our intelligent mosquito air defense system is powered by LiDAR detection and targeting technology,” the company said on its website. “By combining AI vision, real-time tracking and precision laser elimination, it creates a smarter and chemical-free solution for physical mosquito control.”

The device’s LiDAR scanner has a target range of 20 feet, and its zaps are “quieter than a whisper,” according to the company.

 The company is also selling an indoor version of the device, which uses infrared detection and a laser invisible to the human eye.

Videos of the outdoor version show the device putting on a light show when activated, zapping mosquitoes with its bright blue lasers.

The outdoor version is available for $1,088, while the indoor version retails for $988.

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