Useless machine

A modern commercially produced "useless machine".
A modern "useless machine" about to turn itself off

A useless machine or useless box is a device whose only function is to turn itself off. The best-known useless machines are those inspired by Marvin Minsky's design, in which the device's sole function is to switch itself off by operating its own "off" switch. Such machines were popularized commercially in the 1960s, sold as an amusing engineering hack, or as a joke.

More elaborate devices and some novelty toys, which have an obvious entertainment function, have been based on these simple useless machines.


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