Science fiction inventions come true

The inventions of the Star Wars franchise on science fiction topics such as light swords, space travel, intelligent robots have become a reality thanks to scientific achievements.

Exoplanet (Exoplanet)

The context of Star Wars is an open universe with countless galaxies and planets coexisting. However, when the first part of the movie aired in 1977, no one knew of the existence of another planet other than the planets orbiting the Sun. In 1995, new scientists formally discovered the first planet outside our solar system. Currently, more than 2,000 extrasolar planets have been discovered.

Photo: NASA / JPL-Caltech.

Super space (Hyperspace)

In Star Wars, spacecraft move between star systems spaced many light years apart in an instant by entering super-space, a shortcut between very far points in the universe. In fact, traveling through super-space is completely scientific, according to Eric Davis, an expert in this field at the Institute of Advanced Studies in Austin, USA.

Based on Einstein's theory of space-time that can bend, two very far apart points in the universe can be pulled together through a shortcut called a wormhole. To create this wormhole, it is necessary to use negative energy. The scientists also successfully demonstrated the existence of negative energy through the Casimir effect, the effect of two mirrors placed in the vacuum moving on its own.

Photo: LucasFilms.

Spaceship (Speeder)

Another invention in Star Wars that is about to come true is the personal spacecraft. Currently, many companies are working hard to build and put into use the new hoverbike-type media that is identical to those in the film. California-based Aerofex is developing Aero-X, a vehicle described as a surfboard that has the same ability to control a motorbike. Aero-X moves at a height of about three meters and reaches a speed of 72 km / h. Meanwhile, the hoverbike of Malloy Aeronautic, a British company is expected to be able to travel at 274 km / h and is at a height like a helicopter.

Photo: Aerofex.

Smart robot (Droid)

Intelligent robots are an integral part of Star Wars movies and science fiction movies. They often act as assistants, pilots, engineers and soldiers. Today, many smart robot applications in life such as unmanned aircraft, self-propelled vehicles or robotic assistants in surgery become increasingly popular.

Photo: Disney / LucasFilms.

Lightaber (Lightsaber)

The light sword is a symbol of Star Wars, and it is also the hardest invention to become reality. Scientists have long known that photons make up light without mass, nor do they interact with any other matter. Therefore, the screen battles in the movie seem to be impossible in real life.

In 2013, a team from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), demonstrated that when photons pass through the cloud of super-cold atoms, they interact with each other to form feces. death. "In a sense, they can be compared to the light sword," said Mikhail Lukin, a professor of physics at Harvard University.

Suction beam (Tractor beam)

Another interesting application of light in film is the suction beam used to trap, capture or move objects. Since 2010, scientists have begun to create laser beams that can attract or push small particles. In 2014, a record was set by experts at the Australian National University using a laser beam to lift a glass sphere up to 20 cm high.

Photo: Stuart Hay.

Meanwhile, a research team at the University of Bristol, England, used sound waves to move objects. By calculating the oscillations of sound waves, the group created a low-pressure anti-gravity area to lift the plastic balls suspended in mid-air. The ball can be pushed, pulled or rotated just by adjusting the sound wave.