Chinese Engineer unveils Photon Matrix laser device for mosquitos

Jim Wong, a Chinese engineer, has developed the Photon Matrix. This is a portable laser defense system designed to detect and shoot down flying insects in real time.

The project is currently being crowdfunded on Indiegogo. It’s marketed as a compact, chemical-free alternative for homes or outdoor spaces with insect-related problems. It’s basically an anti-aircraft solution or missile defense technology for mosquitos.

The Photon Matrix uses infrared sensors, computer vision, and machine learning to identify mosquitoes mid-flight. Once detected, a low-power laser targets and disables the insect with high precision.

The project began as an AI research initiative in a garage lab. The system is capable of tracking flight patterns and distinguishing mosquitos from harmless insects or humans, minimizing mistargeting issues.

It’s capable of dispatching up to 30 mosquitos per second, and works even in pitch-black darkness. It’s roughly the size of a small projector and can run fully offline without cloud processing or internet access.

The laser supports a 360-degree horizontal and 60-degree vertical detection angle, making it suitable for small rooms, patios, or camping areas. The device is still in its prototype phase, but has already raised HKD 8,150,963 (~PHP 58,000,000).

Early backers can opt to get the Photon Matrix Basic Edition, which costs USD 497 (~PHP 28,000). There’s also a Pro Edition priced at USD 629 (~PHP 36,000).