Some of our favorite product design stories this week.
USAF B-52H Stratofortress engines. Creative Commons.
Star Wars. That one movie. You know it and love it. When it debuted in 1977, the technology was incredible. Sure, the special effects were amazing, but during the late 70s, lightsabers, robots and augmented reality seemed so distant and futuristic. However, 40+ years and numerous spinoffs later are we closer? Engineering.com wrote a marvelous piece on Star Wars technology and where we are in terms of having that technology available. Turns out, not so close.
While many of the technological innovations featured in the movies are either improbable or impossible due the constraints of the laws of physics, there are some advancements that could be decades or even years away.
But what about a real light saber?
It’s difficult to confine a laser beam, and “the power required for this may also be a major stumbling block for portability. With up to 25 pounds of battery potentially required, roughly the size of Yoda himself, the agility and mobility of the Jedi in possession of the weapon might be a little compromised.”
So, yeah, we’re going to have to wait awhile. It’s going to take large imaginations and even larger budgets. However, there’s no stopping you from at least trying to design one. Do it. Do it for all of us.
For now, lightsabers will be confined to toys or as movie props.
PTC’s Vice President of CAD Product Management Paul Sagar was a guest on Design World’s webinar, “How CAD works with emerging technologies like Augmented Reality and Additive Manufacturing.” Want to learn more on connecting your digital designs to your physical products to drive better outcomes? You can still download, watch and learn how these new technologies are accelerating and enhancing product design, eliminating the guessing game and replacing assumptions with facts, and unlocking emerging technologies like Augmented Reality and Additive Manufacturing. You’ll also get a sneak peek at Creo 5.0 capabilities! Joining Paul is Leslie Langnau, Managing Editor, Design World. Go here to register and tune in.
Sneak peek at Creo's new topology optimization capabilities to be released with Creo 5.0.
With technology always changing, it can be difficult to know where product development is going next. Download Creo’s “10 Expert Insights: The Future of Product Design in the Age of Smart & Connected Devices.” Learn from industry leaders as they predict how you will be designing products in the near future to help you stay ahead in our rapidly changing industry.
John Chilson has been writing about tech since the days when you had to dial up your modem for an internet connection. In other words, a long time. In his previous life, he edited trade publications (covering topics ranging from UNIX to Lotus to e-business to construction). Nowadays, John enjoys learning about new technology and telling customers' stories. He’s fascinated by the engineering of everyday things but is lately engaged in a battle of wits with an unuseful soap dispenser that was designed all wrong.