The Useless Machine, sometimes called the Leave me Alone Box, is a timeless classic, a device whose only function is to switch itself off! Tim sometimes calls it the Energy Miser!
It was invented in the 1950s by Marvin Minsky, co-founder of MIT.
The science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke wrote, "There is something unspeakably sinister about a machine that does nothing — absolutely nothing — except switch itself off", and he was fascinated by the concept.
Commercial versions of the Useless Machine became available in the 1960s from several companies.
Our version comes fully assembled, and is designed and hand made in the UK.
The box is made from 3mm Poplar laser ply, and measures 110 x 80 x 50mm (not including switch). The ply accepts paint, varnish and wood stain readily should you want a change of colour.
You need to supply 2 x AAA batteries
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