A Star Wars fan created a lightsaber with a retractable blade
Enthusiast engineer HeroTech has created a Star Wars-style lightsaber that looks almost real. It extends instantly and can even withstand light blows.
The main engineering challenge was fitting the complex mechanism into the limited space of the handle. The solution was found in a transparent telescopic cane, similar to those used by magicians. A bright LED strip runs through it. To give the blade a "living light" effect and rigidity, the entire structure rotates rapidly around its axis using a compact motor.
The device is controlled by a magnet that activates a hidden sensor, eliminating the need for traditional buttons and preserving the authentic look. Two compact batteries power the complex electronics, including the motors and controller.
The development wasn't without its challenges. The author admits that the road to the final prototype involved hundreds of tests, broken gears, overheating issues, and even a critical failure just before the New York Comic-Con demonstration, which was resolved in an emergency. The current version of the sword can already withstand light fencing blows.
The creator notes that the gyroscopic effect of the rotating blade creates an unusual tactile sensation, making the sword even more "real" in the hands. Plans include increasing the blade's durability for full-fledged fencing and adding the ability to change the blade's color.
