Hi-tech beermats for 21st Century

Yeah, because what the world really needs right now is a way to increase the speed at which people get drunk...

BBC NEWS | Technology | Hi-tech beermats for 21st Century:

"An intelligent beermat that alerts the bartender that your glass is empty could feature in pubs of the future.

Like an ordinary mat, it absorbs drips; but the gadget also has hidden sensors.

The device will detect the weight of the drink above it, working out how much is left before sending a signal to the bar for a refill."