Science and Star Wars

- Season 1

(2017)

Kyber crystals give lightsabers their power in the Star Wars universe, but what power do lasers wield in our world? We hear how lasers are helping humanity gain all sorts of knowledge about our universe, including what IBM Research is up to.

In Star Wars, helper droids perform various tasks to assist with daily life. In our world, IBM Watson helps humans accomplish great things and be better professionals.

If you have a close encounter with a wampa, then you're spending some time in a bacta tank. At least that's how it works in the Star Wars universe. See how IBM Research is exploring how our bodies heal in our world.

Hover vehicles have been a staple of science fiction for a long time. Although IBM isn't working on its own hover vehicle, some tech that would go into making them is revolutionizing many industries.

The Force is an energy field that binds the galaxy together - and is a useful tool for the Jedi and Sith. IBM is working on adding IoT to wearables to create tools that may feel like you are using the Force.

In the Star Wars universe, robotic limbs often lend a helping hand to the characters. In our world, IBM Watson was an integral part of training the robotic arm we see here.

Can't have a space fantasy without spaceships to travel the stars. According to C-3PO the possibility of successfully navigating an asteroid field is approximately 3,720 to 1, so how did the Millennium Falcon safely travel through the famed Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs? Watch to hypothesize with us how it's quite possible that the ship used something similar to a quantum computer and find out more about IBM Q's pioneering work in quantum computing.

Artificial intelligence is plentiful in the robots of Star Wars. In our world, AI like Watson is augmenting a person's ability to do their work - helping doctors treat patients, enabling teachers to create personalized lesson plans and much more.

Boba Fett is among the Star Wars galaxy's best bounty hunters. Part of what makes him great is all his gadgets and tech that help him do his job better. IBM Research is developing hyperimaging technology that could help drivers spot hidden hazards on the road here on Earth, but could it help Boba Fett find difficult targets?