One day, robots will most likely take on many of our most mundane chores. No more folding of laundry or washing of dishes. But until that day comes, we'll have to settle for ones that take on less-necessary duties. These three ridiculous machines are masters of their utterly odd jobs.

Toilet-Paper Portioner

When Michael Nichols heard his neighbors arguing over proper toilet-paper portioning, inspiration struck. The Canadian software engineer—who builds Hallo­ween anima­tronics for fun—decided his next project would be a machine that cuts an indisputable portion: exactly three squares. Pressing one control button unspools the toilet-paper roll. Pressing another triggers an air pressure–driven cleaver to swing through the toilet paper and into the wall behind it. Nichols also added an extra circuit linked to an air freshener. The method works well—as long as users stay clear of the chopping cleaver.