http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0dWZ7dsCes
The Mine Kafon is a “low-cost wind-powered mine detonator” that’s light enough to be blown by the wind, tumbleweed-style, across war-ravaged landscapes, but heavy enough to actually set off any mines it happens to roll over.
In countries with war-ravaged pasts, concealed landmines pose a silent, hidden threat. Lurking underground for years, they risk throwing open fresh wounds in communities which are just beginning to heal.
Afghanistan, a country with a long history of war, is dotted with these subterranean dangers. According to one report, about 1 million Afghans live within 500 meters of areas expected to contain landmines. Recently, a group of 10 girls lost their lives when they encountered a hidden mine on a routine outing to gather wood. On average, landmines claim about 42 lives every month.
This “Mine Kafon” is a spherical mobile made out of biodegradable plastic and bamboo. It’s light enough that the wind would–in theory–push it around naturally. But it is also heavy enough to set off landmines as it rolls over them.
“With each detonation the Mine Kafon loses just one or two legs so it could potentially destroy three or four landmines in one journey
The Mine Kafon, at this prototype stage, has been exhibited at the London Design Museum, Milan Design Week, Helsinki Museum, Dutch Design Week, Lodz Design Festival and acquired by MOMA in New York. (Kickstarter: Mine Kafon)
Massoud Hassani and the team behind Mine Kafon are currently seeking funding on Kickstarter. Help them out here.
Via @lanceweiler
