The idea of holograms, talking robots and bionic arms from Star Wars seemed like pure science fiction. But decades after the first film was released in 1977, some of those concepts are starting to feel less far-fetched than they once did.
On Star Wars Day (widely celebrated on May 4 as the date sounds like the immortal line “May the force be with you”), it is worth looking at how fiction continues to shape the technologies we are building today.
Hello, hologram
In an iconic scene, the R2-D2 droid travels to the desert planet Tatooine with a message for Obi-Wan Kenobi. It then projects a floating 3D image or hologram of Princess Leia asking Obi-Wan for his help.
Holographic technology actually predates Star Wars, tracing back to pioneering work by Dennis Gabor, who later received the 1971 Nobel Prize in Physics for his invention. Essentially, his work enabled the creation of images that appear three-dimensional using light waves.
Even so, Star Wars continues to influence how holographic technology is developed, inspiring researchers to push towards more immersive, real-time 3D projections as a form of communication.
In 2018, it was reported that advanced 5G networks could enable hologram-style phone calls, as the technology’s higher speeds and data capacity would allow far larger volumes of visual information to be transmitted in real time.
The report came after a live demonstration showing the United Kingdom’s first live holographic call, where English football player Steph Houghton appeared as a live 3D hologram on stage to give footballing tips to a young fan.
In 2025, the 6G-XR consortium partners Ericsson, the i2CAT Research Centre, Vicomtech, and Capgemini announced that they were embarking on research to advance development in tech such as real-time holographic communications.
For now, most hologram interactions are still limited to controlled systems, such as Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Project Nexaholo AI Intelligent Hologram. Launched last year, it allows users to engage with a virtual avatar that responds to hand gestures through built-in sensors, creating an interactive experience that mimics communication with a hologram. At the recent Consumer Electronics Show, the Razer Ava was unveiled as an AI-powered 3D hologram-style desk companion, using a large language model to interact with users in real time, including providing gaming advice and managing schedules.
Universally speaking
A protocol droid like C-3PO is said to be fluent in over six million forms of communication and can bridge alien cultures and languages seemingly effortlessly in the Star Wars universe, but in real life, advances in AI technology are making real-time (human, not alien) language translations possible for more people.
Some examples include the Samsung Live Translate feature that is built into the South Korean company’s phones, offering real-time translations during phone calls.
Mobile apps like iTranslate Voice and TimeKettle also claim to offer real-time voice-to-voice translations, with the latter utilising its proprietary earbuds to provide AI-powered translations. Other apps offer translations for specific scenarios, such as Transync AI for meetings and Maestra AI for live voice/captions.
Silicon Valley tech giants have also incorporated live translation features into wearables like wireless earbuds and smart AI glasses, respectively.
Talk droid to me
Speaking of droids, the trusty R2-D2 has gotten his human friends out of many a dicey scrape in the course of the films, notably restoring a starship’s shields and earning Queen Amidala’s admiration in the process.
In today’s modern world, robots have become more accessible than ever, though their abilities remain limited to specific tasks.
For example, robot vacuums may not be able to communicate directly with users, but they can autonomously carry out cleaning tasks at the push of a button. In warehouses, mobile robots similarly operate using sensors to navigate spaces, transport goods, and avoid obstacles with minimal human input.
Last month, Nvidia and Disney showcased Olaf, a free roaming robotic snowman which will be capable of interacting with visitors at Disney parks. Recently, Chinese smartphone company Honor showcased how its humanoid robot Lightning can complete a half-marathon in just 50 minutes, breaking the human world record of 57 minutes. It was also reported that Malaysia unveiled an unmanned ground vehicle called Tuah which is designed to move supplies into conflict areas.
It comes in handy
After Luke Skywalker loses his right hand in a duel with Darth Vader, he is rescued and undergoes a surgical procedure to be fitted with a mechanical hand. Essentially, he was given a second chance at regaining full use of his appendage.
Researchers have looked towards this in their quest to build advanced prosthetics limbs. In 2020, it was reported that National University of Singapore had developed an ‘electronic skin’ allowing people with prosthetic limbs to feel texture and pain. Lead researcher Benjamin Tee said the innovation was inspired by Luke appearing to be able to feel touch sensations again with his robotic hand.
A close iteration today appears to be Psyonic’s Ability Hand, a 3D-printed bionic hand with touch feedback. It uses sensors to detect pressure when gripping objects, translating that input into vibrations in the arm to simulate a sense of touch.
The company said it currently has 32 grip patterns, including the peace sign. It also claimed that the Ability Hand is being used by over 250 people and is accessible to patients via Medicare insurance in the United States. However, it’s pricey, costing up to US$20,000 (RM79,300) per unit.
In Malaysia, former teacher Sujana Mohd Rejab is widely celebrated for gifting children with 3D-printed mechanical and electronic arms.
