20 of the Most Unusual Inventions Over the Last Two Decades

Since Mytour launched in 2001, we’ve been dedicated to showcasing the most groundbreaking, daring, and exceptional inventions from brilliant minds. From the emergence of iPhones to digital currencies and autonomous vehicles, we’ve witnessed it all.

We’ve also encountered the 20 ideas listed below, which, while not world-changing, certainly captured our attention. Explore these 20 inventions that stand out for their creativity and sheer oddity.

1. Slugbot

Are slugs ruining your garden? This AI creation from the California Institute of Technology debuted in 2001, designed to traverse soil and detect slugs using a light. Upon spotting one, it would capture and store the intruder. Bacteria within Slugbot would “digest” the slugs, converting them into an organic energy source to power the machine. Yes, it operates on slugs. The British government is funding a new Slugbot prototype set for testing in 2021.

2. Milk Clothing

Ever gazed at a glass of milk and pondered how many T-shirts it could produce? German fashion designer Anke Domaske did just that. In 2011, she introduced QMilch, a fabric called made from milk’s casein protein. (Unlike other milk-based fabrics, it avoided chemicals.) The dried milk powder is heated and spun into yarn. A single dress required about six liters of milk. In 2019, start-up Mi Terro also introduced milk-based clothing.

3. The Selfie Toaster

Plain toast is dull. To spice things up, this toaster from the Vermont Novelty Toaster Corporation, launched in 2014, uses a photo of your face to customize a special metal plate. The result? Crispy toast that lets you butter up your own image.

4. Fish Skin Bikini

This unique swimwear, launched in 2003, is made from tanned and dyed salmon skin that would otherwise be used as chicken feed. London-based Skini sold these bikinis for $335 and above.

5. Air Powered Pogo Stick

Razor updated the traditional pogo stick in 2001 by swapping springs for an air pump, adding a new level of challenge to landings.

6. Ecopod Biodegradable Coffin

If your environmental commitment goes beyond your lifetime, the Ecopod likely brought you peace of mind. This eco-friendly coffin, crafted from recycled paper, was introduced in 2007.

7. Bra Dryer

Bras can be tricky to clean—standard washing and drying machines often damage them. In 2009, Alexander Farennikov created the Bra Dryer, which employs infrared light and airflow to dry a bra in just 30 minutes.

8. The Necomimi

In 2012, Japan bridged the gap between humans and cats with the Necomimi, a pair of mechanical cat ears that detect brainwaves and react to the wearer’s emotions. Excited? The ears stand up. Relaxed? They droop. Focused? They twitch.

9. The Ostrich Pillow

Backed by $130,000 on Kickstarter in 2012, the Ostrich Pillow lets users retreat from reality by sticking their head into a cozy, plush cavity.

10. The Baby Mop

Why not turn your crawling baby into a mini cleaner? This onesie, equipped with soft mop heads, turns floor exploration into a cleaning session. Inspired by a humorous Japanese ad in 2012, this invention ensures your floors sparkle for real.

11. BitBite

Struggling to stay on track with your diet? BitBite might be the solution. This earpiece features a microphone that tracks your eating patterns, from portion sizes to speed. If you’re devouring a bag of chips too quickly, BitBite can nudge you to slow down. The product gained traction after a successful Indiegogo campaign in 2014.

12. Le Whif Inhalable Chocolate

In 2007, Harvard biomedical engineer David Edwards and his students created this culinary breakthrough, delivering a few hundred milligrams of cocoa directly to your tongue—letting you enjoy chocolate without indulging in a bag of fun-sized Twix.

13. Ping-Pong Door

Short on space but love ping pong? This innovative door converts into a ping pong table with a quick flip. Designed by Tobias Fränzel and German company FINKELDEI in 2018, it’s available for custom orders at around $12,000.

14. The Dogbrella

What’s worse than one wet dog? Two wet dogs. To keep your furry friend dry during walks, LesyPet created an umbrella that attaches to a dog’s collar. This invention became a hit on Amazon in 2017.

15. FoldiMate

Tired of folding laundry? FoldiMate is here to help. Launched in 2019, this machine accepts your clothes and returns them neatly folded—though, unfortunately, it can’t handle socks.

16. Drop Wipes

Odd? Absolutely. Practical? Definitely. Drop Wipes debuted in 2019 as the first wipes specifically designed to clean bird droppings from the exterior of your car. (If you’re dealing with bird poop inside your car, that’s a whole different issue.)

17. The Flask Tie

If your job pushes you to seek solace in a drink, the Flask Tie can help. Introduced in 2013, this tie features a hidden fluid pouch and straw, making your workday a bit more bearable.

18. The Snuggie

Though not the first wearable blanket—that title goes to the Slanket—the Snuggie gained immense popularity after its 2008 infomercial campaign.

19. The Boyfriend’s Arm Pillow

Launched in 2008 by the Kameo Corporation, this pillow, shaped like a human arm in a comforting embrace, quickly gained popularity in Japan.

20. The Uro Club

Need a quick bathroom break on the golf course? In 2010, urologist Lloyd Seskin introduced the Uro Club—a hollow golf club designed for discreet urination. A fabric privacy shield ensures others think you’re just practicing your swing.