Sure, engineers build bridges, protect the environment, and tackle other big problems to make the world a better place. But they design fun things, too!

Consider the Popinator, a fully automated, voice activated popcorn-launching machine. Created by an electrical engineer at kettlecorn maker Popcorn Indiana, the device fires a puffy morsel when it hears the word “pop.” Because each piece is a different shape and size, pinpointing the source of the sound and adjusting the aim to deliver popcorn to a mouth represents some very sophisticated engineering.  The Popinator, which shoots up to 15 feet, has been a huge hit at the company’s headquarters.

See the Popinator in action:

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Tags: Electrical Engineering, Engineering Is, popcorn, Popinator