Star Wars tech that exists in real life

The first Star Wars film was released in 1977, wowing the audiences with its stunning visuals and fantastical technology. The lightsabers, droids, and holographic communication seemed like something from a long, long time from now.

However, in nearly five decades, 11 films, and five live-action TV series later, not all the Star Wars tech seems so far-fetched anymore.

5 Star Wars tech that is real today

While many Star Wars innovations remain firmly in the realm of science fiction, there are several technologies which have actually become a reality. Here are 5 such examples:

1. Droids
2. Repulsor tech
3. Bionic limbs and prosthetics
4. Laser weapons
5. Space travel

1. Droids

While we may not have fully sentient robots like C-3PO or astromech droids like R2-D2, real-world robotics and artificial intelligence have advanced significantly. Robots are now working as hotel concierges, greeters in businesses, and primary health-service providers by measuring vital signs.

They might even be in your home as robot vacuum cleaners are slowly becoming popular. Virtual assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa are like the early stages of what droids might represent in the future.

2. Repulsor tech

Who can forget Luke and Obi-Wan Kenobi cruising on landspeeders? Unfortunately, we are some time away from personal flying cars. However, magnetic levitation trains, hoverboards, and hovercrafts hint at the possibility of repulsorlift technology becoming a mainstream reality soon.

3. Bionic limbs and prosthetics

Way back in the 1980s, watching Luke with a bionic arm wasn’t just cool, it represented a future where prosthetic limbs would restore function or even offer new abilities.

Today, advanced prosthetics are a reality and no longer a dream. Mark Hamill, the actor who played Luke Skywalker, has made a video for children with limb differences.

4. Laser weapons

Child or adult, everyone wants a lightsaber. Unfortunately, we don’t have handheld lightsabers (yet!), but laser technology has come a long way. Directed-energy weapons are being developed around the world, and who knows, maybe one day we can all be Jedis.

5. Space travel

When the the first film, now called Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope released, it was a little shy of the 10-year mark of Apollo 11’s moon landing. So sure, space travel was a real thing even then. But commercial space travel like the one Luke and Obi-Wan secured is not as easy for us.

From crewed missions to the International Space Station to ambitious plans for lunar colonization and eventual missions to Mars, the dream of interplanetary travel is slowly but steadily becoming a reality.

ALSO READ: NASA+ streaming service launched: What it is and where to watch it

The Star Wars universe has fueled our imagination for decades but the innovation of the real world is catching up at an impressive pace. So, if you are planning a Star Wars marathon on May the Fourth, don’t forget to keep an eye out for the tech that’s no longer science fiction.

And for the tech that still seems out of reach, we need to remember Yoda’s words, “Patience you must have, my young Padawan.”