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Australian man killed by suicide robot

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An elderly Australian man apparently shot himself dead Tuesday, using an elaborate suicide robot of his own construction, according to media reports.

The 81-year-old man who lived alone in Burleigh Heads left a note detailing his macabre machinations, as well as his grievances over his relatives demanding he be committed to a nursing home.

The man reportedly had spent hours researching on the internet for a suitable way to do himself in before he came upon the plans for a complex murder machine, which he built and armed with a .22 caliber handgun.

Local newspaper The Gold Coast Bulletin would not reveal the exact nature of the machine, but said it was loaded with four bullets and was capable of firing multiple shots once activated by remote control.

After moving the robot to his driveway, he placed himself in front of the device and set the controls to up yours, Asimov. In his notes, the man said he chose the driveway because he knew tradesmen working next door would see his body.

His grisly plan was executed perfectly. The man was soon found dead by the workers — alerted by the sound of gunfire. ®

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Latest Comments

Suicide Machines

Jerry remembers a machine from 25-30 years ago. Might be the one I saw at the Medical School at Auckland University , 30 years ago.

Constructed and used by an bloke who worked there, and used a .22 cal. rifle.

It was thought he must have taken several weeks to make it. Quite a good design, with a timer , and after taking some drugs to make him go bye-bye, he locked himself in to/ on to the device and the rest is history.

Opinion was that he wanted to be remembered, perhaps the same applies to this Australian chap.

Sad thought that suicide is a matter for hilarity among supposed adults.

PS. Jerry - Re Richard Pierce and the Wright Bros. Richard's plane had no means of control , the Wright machine had wing warping, and Richard's bouncing across a paddock and into a hedge was not controlled , sustained flight.

The Yanks did do it first.

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Anonymous Coward

RE: AC

"I think draconian applies perfectly"

I believe the previous AC is a member of a law enforcement body and has their agenda in mind.

"Except for pistols" - In the UK, standard pistols are PROHIBITED entirely. Oz is much more reasonable about them.

I have seen OZ statistics showing a recent boom in private gun ownership. Violent gun crime has remained level for decades.

The only possible change is that there has not been another Port Moresby. Incidentally Port Moresby involved ILLEGAL weapon possession.

I am British and bow to any Aussie's better knowledge though.

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Anonymous Coward

@AC

> you can have a rifle for the back yard or someone elses back yard (draconian), pistols are club only (not draconian)

Definitions of draconian on the Web:

* (drah COE nee-un) adj, 1. Designating a law or code of extreme severity. 2. Harsh, rigorous.

I would have said that strictly limiting who could buy something and telling them exactly where you are allowed to carry it (pistol) was more severe and rigorous than just saying "OK but prove you need it first and you will have to wait a few weeks" (rifle)

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