Technology
Disney unveils REAL retractable lightsaber toy just like in Star Wars – and you might be able to buy one soon
IT’S one of science fiction’s most formidable weapons, cutting through limbs and steel like a hot knife through butter.
Now the iconic lightsaber is getting the Disney treatment with a new toy that extends and retracts just like the luminous blades in Star Wars.
Disney has unveiled a lightsaber toy that extends and retracts just like the real thing[/caption]
The US entertainment giant released a teaser video on May 4 of one of the replicas in action.
It came as fans around the world honoured Star Wars day, an annual celebration of the fictional universe created by George Lucas in 1976.
In the 13-second clip, a young girl facing away from the camera spins around while holding the saber’s hilt.
A bright, blue blade then extends out from the hilt – just like the energy weapons that have appeared in numerous Star Wars films and TV shows.
Lightsabers have appeared in numerous Star Wars TV shows and films[/caption]
It’s said to be the closest that toy-makers have come to producing a lifelike lightsaber that looks and feels just like the ones from the movies.
The new toys will be part of Disney’s upcoming Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser immersive hotel at its park in Florida.
Opening in 2022, the resort promises a two-day stay where guests act out their own immersive storyline with other guests and cast members.
Customers are even given a full wardrobe and backstory for their character – as well as, presumably, a lightsaber.
Disney filed a patent for a ‘working’ lightsaber in 2018[/caption]
Disney says that engineers at its Imagineering Research and Development arm are still working on the new sabers.
They’ll presumably hit shelves when the Galactic Starcruiser hotel experience launches next year.
It’s unclear how much they’ll cost, but Disney currently charges $200 for one of its “regular” sabers at its Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge park.
The iconic laser sword has been a staple of the Star Wars franchise since the release of the first film in the ’70s.
Countless toy versions have been produced in the decades since, though they mostly take the form of cumbersome, glowing sticks.
A version that retracts like the weapons in the movies would be more portable and realistic, making it a sure-fire hit.
Disney filed a patent for such a product in 2018, and it appears the company is finally making good on those early designs.
It’s unclear precisely how the new device would work, though Twitter is awash with speculation.
After studying the patent, web developer Ben Ridout said the technology is based on a familiar concept – the humble tape measure.
“A steel tape measure is somewhat sturdy when extended short distances,” Ridout tweeted last month.
“The curve in the steel provides strength and the mostly flat tape can still be wound up on a reel inside the body of the tape measure. That’s important.
“Disney’s lightsaber design extends (get it?) the basic tape measure design.
Previous lightsaber toys have largely taken the form of cumbersome, glowing sticks[/caption]
“Imagine connecting two tape measures together so each tape faces in on each other when they are extended. Connect the ends of the tapes with a circular cap.
“Next, widen the tapes and increase the curve, allowing them to partially wrap around each other and form a complete cylinder.
“Drive this system with a motor so both reels can be extended and retracted in synch at the push of a button. Now, you’ve got a lightsaber!”
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