Researchers at ETH Zurich, a Swiss university, have invented a new chemical defense mechanism, a special film composed of several sandwich-like layers of plastic that triggers an intense reaction when destroyed, to protect ATMs.
The idea to develop a self-defending surface has been inspired from a beetle known as Bombardier beetle that uses a gas explosion to fend off attackers.
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ETH department of chemistry and applied biosciences professor, Wendelin Jan Stark, said: "When you see how elegantly nature solves problems, you realise how deadlocked the world of technology often is.
"This could be used anywhere you find things that shouldn’t be touched."
If the self-defending surface of an ATM is damaged, hot foam is sprayed in the face of the attacker and this technology could be used to prevent vandalism or protect valuable goods.
The researchers further indicated this technology also renders banknotes useless.
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By GlobalDataThe manganese dioxide added film also includes a dye along with DNA enveloped in nanoparticles. So, when the film is destroyed, both the foam and the dye are released, making the cash useless.
