Mark Rober’s Glitter Bomb 4.0 is a custom-built package-theft bait device featured in a video published on December 13, 2021—not a newly released consumer product. Its lid-open trigger uses a Hall effect sensor to activate pneumatic pistons that eject the lid, while cameras, audio recording, GPS tracking, glitter, and other mechanisms capture and complicate the encounter.
What is Glitter Bomb 4.0?
Glitter Bomb 4.0 is the fourth iteration of Mark Rober’s custom engineering project, presented in his video “EXPLODING Glitter Bomb 4.0 vs. Package Thieves”. The video was published on December 13, 2021. The project is designed to look like a package and activate when someone opens it; the creator’s video frames the targets as package thieves.
Hackster.io’s account describes how the device works and what changed, while the video listing establishes its title and date. The production studio Bubba’s LA says Rober and his team visited its Van Nuys studio for the project and links to the video. Bubba’s LA project page
How does Glitter Bomb 4.0 work?
The lid trigger and ejection
Hackster reports that a Hall effect sensor detects when the lid is lifted. That detection activates two pneumatic pistons, which fill with air and push the lid off. An earlier, more complicated flywheel-and-gear approach was abandoned in favor of this mechanism. A Hall effect sensor is a component category, not a complete device blueprint; Hackster does not identify the exact sensor model or controller.
#1 Best Overall
- Over 40 grams of glitter!
- Sturdy 7 inch shipping tubes and a 9 inch spring
- Ruin someone's day or make them laugh!
- Total glitter destruction!
Sound, spray, and lights
A microphone continuously records audio, according to Hackster, and a car horn sounds when the device activates. Four aerosol canisters are actuated by a stepper motor pressing their plungers. Hackster describes the spray as 20% more pungent than in the preceding version; that is the article’s characterization, not an independently verified measurement. A translucent cover diffuses the RGB LEDs.
Glitter dispensing
The dispenser uses two funnels: an inner chamber stores glitter, and spinning releases a measured portion. Hackster says the arrangement was intended to dispense three doses.
Rank #2
- Item Weight: Weighing in at 40 grams, this cylindrical flake-form glitter bomb is packed with a powerful punch
- Design: The spring-loaded mechanism and isolated glitter compartment make for a surprising and unforgettable experience
- End Closures: Secured with industrial staples and a tabbed-end tape for easy removal
- Dimensions: With a 2-diameter and 7-length, this glitter bomb is compact yet mighty, making it perfect for pranks and parties
Recording, location, charging, and concealment
Hackster describes a GPS tracker sending real-time location data and four phones recording video to the cloud. A custom doormat with spring-loaded electrical contacts charges the device. At night, a robotic planter moves over it to conceal it.
What changed in the upgraded version?
Hackster’s description emphasizes a revised lid-ejection approach and several integrated systems rather than a single isolated upgrade. The reported changes and features include:
Rank #3
- ONE DEVICE, UNLIMITED CHAOS: AnnoyingPCB is the ultimate gag gift or revenge pranks. Simply activate the noise maker and hide it. It will beep, screech, or make a cricket sound at random intervals of 5 to 45 minutes. Perfect April Fools Day prank for your friends or coworkers!
- COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT: This super small annoying sound device can hide easily in most places. This little noise prank is inconspicuous and hard to find. It is light enough for off-brand tape or a magnet to hold it in place.
- BATTERY LASTS 3 YEARS: No short gags here, we're in it for the long con. The included battery won't die in a few days, it will randomly beep for three years! Rest assured your victims sanity will fail long before AnnoyingPCB runs out of juice.
- UNIQUE SOUNDS: You're not stuck with just one choice of annoying sounds. With the press of a button, you can easily change the sound. Noises include: a normal beep, a high pitch screech, and a cricket chirping. Take the crown as funniest prankster on April Fools.
- HIDING INSPIRATION: Prank your friends, neighbors, or co-workers and drive them insane! Conceal it inside a drawer with stuff in it or a cupboard near other appliances that already beep. Affix it underneath a desk, behind a monitor, inside a tissue box, or in a drop ceiling. No one is safe with the AnnoyingPCB in your prank kit.
- A Hall effect sensor and pneumatic pistons for detecting and ejecting the lid, replacing the attempted flywheel-and-gear design.
- A four-canister spray arrangement actuated by a stepper motor, described by Hackster as 20% more pungent than before.
- A dual-funnel dispenser intended to deliver three measured glitter doses.
- A translucent LED cover, plus audio recording, a horn, GPS tracking, and cloud-connected video recording.
- A charging doormat and a robotic planter used to conceal the device.
These are features reported by Hackster.io, not independently tested performance claims. Its article says Rober deployed several devices and that a dozen package thieves took them, with the encounters recorded. That deployment account should be understood as Hackster’s report, not a separately verified field result.
Is Glitter Bomb 4.0 sold, and can you buy the parts?
The available sources describe a custom project, not a retail product listing. They do not establish that the complete Glitter Bomb 4.0 is sold to consumers, nor do they identify the exact Hall effect sensor model, controller, or full component list. A generic Hall effect sensor module may help explain the sensing concept, but buying one would not recreate this custom system.
Rank #4
- 💌 Versatile Fun: Compatible with Joker Greeting Cards or any card of your choice.
- ✨ Glitter Surprise: Adds a sparkling twist to the ordinary card experience.
- 📬 Simple Setup: Easy to use and prepare for sending.
- 🎁 Perfect for Any Occasion: Birthdays, Anniversaries, Holidays, you name it!
For readers interested in engineering education rather than this device, CrunchLabs is Mark Rober’s engineering education company. Its official site is CrunchLabs; Netflix describes its offering as a hands-on STEM subscription box in a 2025 profile of Rober. That is a separate educational offering, not a Glitter Bomb component.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the project does—and does not—establish
Glitter Bomb 4.0 demonstrates how a creator’s custom prop can combine sensing, mechanical actuation, recording, tracking, and concealment in one package-like build. The cited sources do not establish a current package-theft rate, provide a safety assessment or legal guidance specific to this device, or document a consumer version for sale. Treat it as an engineering video project, not a recommended deployment plan.
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