Beetles' Biological Mechanism Paves Way for New ATM Security System

The bombardier beetle, also known as Brachinus spp., is a small insect with over 40 different species. They possess a defense mechanism where their abdominal tip sprays a toxic combination of two chemicals to fight off predators.

Specifically, the shiny blue-green bombardier beetle is said to have one of nature's most aggressive chemical defense systems that's powerful enough to kill ants. The mixture of hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide, along with other chemicals is injected into a reaction chamber in the beetle's abdomen, which is then sprayed at the predator.

Researchers in Switzerland were intrigued by the defense mechanism, and it inspired the development of a new ATM security system to fend off thieves. Wendelin Jan Stark, a professor from the ETH Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, was part of the research team who developed the anti-vandalism mechanism for ATMs.

"When you see how elegantly nature solves problems, you realise how deadlocked the world of technology often is," she said in this ETH news release. "This could be used anywhere you find things that shouldn't be touched."

Over EUR 10 million was lost with more than 1,000 attacks on ATMs in the first half of 2013. The research team sought to find a way to protect them more effectively, and their new system could provide the results needed. The system features several layers of plastic inside the ATM, and if any of the plastic's surface is damaged the machine will spray a hot foam in the thief's face.

The researchers' defense system is different from other protective devices, which are often complicated, require electricity, and are not cost-effective. In the new system, a layer of clear lacquer separates the layers of plastic. When any impact is incurred upon the plastic, a combination of water vapor, oxygen, and heat is sprayed.

The study, "Self-defending anti-vandalism surfaces based on mechanically triggered mixing of reactants in polymer foils," was published the Journal of Materials Chemistry A, back in March.