Star Wars is one of the most profitable franchises of all time. The “Star Wars” story managed to capture a legion of fans back in 1977 and continues to this day with storylines passed from generation to generation.
However, there is one detail that many people will marvel at from now on. As we approach the 50th anniversary of the release of the first film, did you know that Star Wars brought inspiration to the real world?
That’s right, thanks to some of the objects seen in the films, scientists were able to develop new technologies as early as the 1970s.
Now check out five things that seemed far away but are now becoming totally real thanks to Star Wars.
Photo: Revista Galileu/Reproduction
1. Bionic prostheses
Eventually, during a fight with Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker loses part of his arm and is given a bionic hand as a replacement. It’s not just a movie thing though, you know?
This is because this type of prosthesis is becoming more common and helping people without a limb to live a little more normal life.
One of the most famous companies on the market is the Icelandic company Össur. The prostheses manufactured by the company are able to replicate natural movements and allow the user greater autonomy and a healthy life.
2. Helping robots
While not the same as C3PO and R2D2, humans can already say they have their version of helper robots. Of course, every “Star Wars” fan dreams of seeing one of the two most famous prototypes walking around the house and communicating with its owners in a natural way.
Even if that is not the case, you can opt for robots to help you clean, such as robot vacuum cleaners. In addition, companies like Boston Dynamics are exploring the structuring of humanoidlooking robots that can assist humans in performing specific tasks.
3. Lightsabers
Calm down, this might seem like the most interesting item on the list, but you still can’t go into battle with an actual lightsaber. However, the precise cut of these powerful “Star Wars” weapons was a great inspiration for scientists, who used their precise cut to develop a laser that could be used in surgery.
The idea is to replace the scalpel and to be able to help the doctor with the operation in an even more precise and targeted manner.
Also, Disney itself is working on ideas to create an actual lightsaber, but not for the purpose you envision. In fact, the company’s parks are said to offer further immersion in the “Star Wars” universe.
4. War Robots
In the franchise we see the use of large droids to face enemies in battle. For the grandiose clashes in “Star Wars” an army full of robots is used. But even in real life, scientists come close to this development.
Because, for example, Russia relies on a robot prototype for the war that looks more like a dog. Called the M81, it’s capable of agile movement and pinpoint missile launch.
5. Laser Weapons
Finally, inspired by the Death Star, the most feared and deadly ship of the Star Wars universe, we have laser weapons. For those who don’t remember, the ship features a deadly laser that is very intimidating when it appears, given that it’s also larger than many planets.
Now, in real life, the US Navy has managed to create a laser weapon that can use heat to destroy enemy objects, such as drones. Another thing that separates real laser guns from Star Wars ones is that real laser guns are completely invisible.