“Shortly after graduating from college, Jason Uy and his team of engineers successfully constructed a lightsaber. While many companies now offer custom sabers with sound effects, Disney also sells their own premium Galaxy’s Edge blades. However, Uy’s DIY lightsaber stands out as it can extend and retract with the push of a button, emitting a bright light akin to a true kyber crystal-powered laser sword. This creation fulfills the dream of every Star Wars fan.
Uy’s blade is comparable to one that Disney developed for internal use at the now-defunct Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser. On his YouTube channel, HeroTech, Uy demonstrated the durability of his lightsaber, unlike Disney’s engineers who faced challenges in that aspect. This may explain why Disney has not yet attempted to market an extending blade to Star Wars enthusiasts.
The concept for the HeroTech saber originated while Uy was still a student at Olin College of Engineering in Massachusetts. The initial prototype, resembling Disney’s toy lightsaber, utilized a motorized tape measure and LED strip. Uy then enlisted the help of fellow students Maddie Tong and Aaron Codrington to enhance the design for one-handed use.
One unique aspect of the HeroTech saber is the use of a magician’s cane for extension. Coupled with an LED strip, the saber produces a striking glow, creating a ‘darksaber’ effect rather than the traditional circular blade seen in the movies. Uy plans to address this issue by rotating the internal mechanism to achieve a seamless blade appearance.
In an interview with Gizmodo, Uy discussed his passion for Star Wars and the challenging process of creating a lightsaber. He shared insights on the project’s evolution, from the initial design to the current model. Uy highlighted the use of LED strips for superior brightness and the decision to implement a circular winch mechanism for smooth extension.
Future plans for the retracting lightsaber include refining the hilt design for a sleeker look and faster extension capabilities. Uy aims to incorporate metal components for durability and address the ‘darksaber’ effect by rotating the inner assembly. The ongoing development of the HeroTech lightsaber showcases Uy’s dedication to creating an authentic and innovative lightsaber experience for fans.”