Giant Dandelion-Shaped Ball Blows Up Landmines [VIDEO]

 By 
Anita Li
 on 
Giant Dandelion-Shaped Ball Blows Up Landmines [VIDEO]

[brightcove video="1917953090001 "/]

A dandelion-shaped ball aims to protect people from undetonated landmines -- just by blowing in the wind.

Afghan-Dutch designer Massoud Hassani built the "Mine Kafon" by hand, according to the BBC. Powered by wind, the 175-pound ball rolls across the ground like a tumbleweed. A 37-pound iron casing is surrounded by dozens of bamboo rods that have plastic casings at the tips, creating a dandelion-head shape. To see it in action, check out the video above.

Costing a mere $50, the Mine Kafon is a safer and cheaper alternative to the standard methods of mine-clearing, Hassani tells the BBC.

"Nowadays, people search for mines by hand, and it takes a lot of time," he says. "People walk along, sticking things into the ground. Many are not trained to do it, and there are a lot of accidents."

Do you think the Mine Kafon is a useful tool to clear landmines? Tell us in the comments below.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!