Science News Archive

The Never-emptying Beer Glass

Thirsty researchers at the University of Munich, led by Andreas Butz, have developed a beer mat that automatically prompts bar staff for a refill when a glass is empty. The mat uses a pressure sensor to detect when the glass is getting low, and then signals the bar by radio for a top up. The developers suggest that it could also be used as a bar-room voting device, for instance in the karaoke setting, whereby drinkers quite literally raise their glasses to a good act. Perhaps for UK beers an electric heating element could also be installed to ensure that they are adequately warm upon serving?

8th Oct 2005