Material Beliefs have created a Carnivorous Lampshade Robot inspired by the pitcher plant, a carnivorous plant that attracts and consumes insects to survive. The insects fall into the plant and are unable to escape. In the same way, this spherical lampshade has multiple holes in its surface which are long funnels going deep into the lamp. Insects are attracted to the light shining out of the holes, enter the lamp and are trapped. Eventually they die and fall into the microbial fuel cell underneath. This generates electricity which is stored and used to power a series of low power ultraviolet LEDs. A light sensor detects when the house lights are turned off and switches on the LEDs, attracting insects throughout the night.

Material Beliefs is a collaboration between designers and scientists/engineers and comprises of Aleksandar Zivanovic, James Auger and Jimmy Loizeau. The project explores an alternative approach to bringing robots into the domestic environment, exploring both the aesthetics and functionality that may elicit a symbiotic coexistence with humans in their homes.