ATM Machine Theft: Researchers Are Planning A Surprise For Hooligans
ATM machine thefts could be about to hit an interesting deterrent. Would-be thieves who attempt to take advantage of so-called “easy money” could end up facing a nasty surprise.
The idea for the new form of security comes from the bombardier beetle, which stores separate chemicals in different sacs in its abdomen. When threatened, the beetle shoots the two chemicals simultaneously at the threat. These two chemicals, when mixed, create a boiling hot vapor which easily deters would-be predators.
It might not be practical to shoot boiling acid at criminals from an ATM, and while it would certainly stop the hooligans from trying it again, researchers are looking into something a little less harmful. Criminals have been known to sue victims now.
Scientists noticed how the bombardier beetle accomplishes the feat and have devised a possible new way to keep thieves from tampering with an ATM machine on a deserted street. If the hooligan shakes the machine hard enough, it creates a chain reaction which oozes acid and hopefully prevents further ATM machine theft. It might not work every time, but for now nobody will expect it.
The mechanism replicates the basic anatomy of the bombardier beetle, storing hydrogen peroxide in one section of a honeycomb-style container and manganese dioxide in the other. The two sections are separated by an easily breakable divider. When the thief shakes the machine, the divider breaks, and the chemicals combine and foam up, potentially burning the hooligan’s hand.
Researchers are making an ATM that spews hot acid at thieves http://t.co/WZgAYZRw0a pic.twitter.com/XdefLwkDN2
— Gizmodo (@Gizmodo) May 8, 2014
In addition to the burning acid, it will allegedly contain a dye which marks your hands and the money, rendering the bills worthless as it ruins the watermark. This watermark was created as a way for bankers and cashiers to spot a counterfeit. There are also plans to include DNA nanoparticles which make it much easier to trace the origin of the ATM machine theft, and possibly use the built-in cameras to see who did it.
Yes, there are various ways around this security measure, and it could backfire if an innocent user simply encounters a glitch in the programming while they’re having a bad day. Also, the foaming acid could spur lawsuits from the innocent victims. The idea isn’t without its flaws, and could have expensive consequences for the store the theft was attempted at.
While the idea isn’t completely effective and a lot can go wrong, it’s much more cost effective than anything depending on electricity. Thanks to the bombardier beetle, our money could end up a little bit safer soon.
