Useless Machine

£26.00
Tax included.

The Useless Machine is a timeless classic! 

The Useless Machine, sometimes called the Leave me Alone Box, is a timeless classic, a device whose only function is to switch itself off! Tim sometimes calls it the Energy Miser! 

It was invented in the 1950s by Marvin Minsky, co-founder of MIT. 

The science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke wrote, "There is something unspeakably sinister about a machine that does nothing — absolutely nothing — except switch itself off", and he was fascinated by the concept.

Commercial versions of the Useless Machine became available in the 1960s from several companies. 

Our version comes fully assembled, and is designed and hand made in the UK. 

The box is made from 3mm Poplar laser ply, and measures 110 x 80 x 50mm (not including switch). The ply accepts paint, varnish and wood stain readily should you want a change of colour.

You need to supply 2 x AAA batteries

See this item in action



More Information

Shipping

We aim to ship orders within 48 hours. 
For UK deliveries, we use DHL Parcel (UK) and EVRI. 
For deliveries to Europe we offer a choice of DPD or DHL.
For deliveries outside Europe, we ship by DHL.

Our warehouse works Monday to Friday only. If we receive your order by 10am then we aim to ship the same day or the next day, depending on how busy the warehouse is. On the day your order ships, the warehouse will send you your tracking number by e-mail at 7pm UK time. The delivery time to reach you will depend on the shipping option you have chosen. 
Returns

We will accept items that you wish to return, within 30 days of placing the order. You are responsible for the cost of shipping the item back to us, and it must be in saleable condition. We will refund you the cost of the item. Please let us know if you wish to return an item before you send it. 

If the item is faulty, please let us know, and we will ship a replacement or refund your money, as you wish.
Have a Question?

Please contact us or take a look at our FAQS.

Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
100%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
S
Salavtore T.
Useless Machine

Excellent.

T
Tom M.
Useless Machine

Love the "Useless Machine" Customer Service went above And beyond hen there was a shipping glitch. SO satisfied with this wonderful company, yet again.