Useless machines are a fun class of devices which typically turn themselves off once they are switched on, hence their name. Even though there’s no real point, they’re fun to build and to operate ...

All week long, our podcast Input/Output digs into the big ideas, fascinating personalities, and important stories from the pages of Input. You'll hear from the editors and writers behind the headlines ...

Useless robots (or useless machines) are devices that, when switched on, exist only to turn themselves back off. They are fun and fairly simple builds that are easy to personify, and really invite ...

Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content. The world’s most useless machine, which is essentially a small electronic box that turns itself off whenever you try to turn it on, ...

Uncover the charm of the "useless machine," a device that embodies the concept of doing nothing. From its inception by Marvin Minsky to its place in modern pop culture, learn how this simple yet ...