A mousetrap coffee table and a fly powered clock might sound like something out of a science fiction novel, but they're actually part of a project exploring functional household robots.

Less computer and more machine, these devices, such as the mousetrap coffee table, explore how household objects can be automated to do less traditional tasks. In the instance of the mousetrap coffee table, crumbs are placed on top and left there to attract mice. One table leg is designed for to allow mice access to the table top. Once the mouse climbs up, sensors detect its presence and open a trap door, sentencing the mouse to absorption in a microbial fuel cell. The mouse is digested and converted into energy to power the sensors and trap door.

Interesting/weird idea? Yes. Humane? Not sure, but maybe better than those sticky traps?

What do you think?

(Auger Loizeau via NPR. Images by James Auger, Jimmy Loizeau and Alex Zivanovic)