It’s a dream come true for gadget geeks and Bond-aficionados alike: tech toys that self-destruct and leave no trace. That’s not always a good thing.

Initial research conducted by the US military lead to the development of VAPR (Vanishing Programmable Resources) systems. Labelled “Snapchat for hardware,” VAPR aimed to develop an electronic system that could literally disappear into thin air when triggered. This made ‘object evaporation’ possible – systems would not be of any value beyond enemy lines – hardware obliterated, data wiped and nothing compromised.

Fast forward a few years and now we’re seeing UAVs that erase their own existence after completing their deliveries. Silent drones are dropping supplies for troops after which they ‘implode’ into biodegradable materials. The drone also has a once-off ‘cloaking mode’, and can make itself invisible for 20 seconds. Once the drone delivers its payload, it dissipates in just 60 seconds, in a cloud of electronic dust.

Unfortunately, these fantastic new materials are being exploited by fraudsters and criminals; it’s great when you can erase the evidence. We’ve seen reports of food addicts having pizza delivered to their rehab clinics and Mexican drug lords sneaking stashes over the border. On the positive side, charities have been sending vaccines to Ulmar, where the government has banned all modern medicine.

Which proves the point, yet again, that technology is neutral; it can be used for good or bad, weapons or aid. And people will always use technology in very innovative ways, to achieve their goals!