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 ...

What is it about useless machines that makes them so attractive to build? After all, they’re meant to be low-key enraging. At this point, the name of the game is more about giving that faceless enemy ...

Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading. The world’s most useless machine, which is essentially a small electronic box that turns itself off whenever you try to turn it on, first made ...

Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content. If you thought all of the world's most useless machines were found in the pages of SkyMall or on As Seen On TV infomercials, think again ...