Posted 12.08.2010 at 5:37 pm
12 Comments
Sonic Screwdriver
The 11th Doctor's sonic screwdriver, which British researchers say could become a reality.
via OrderToys
A real-life sonic screwdriver could use ultrasonic waves to apply forces to objects, according to researchers in the UK. Bruce Drinkwater, the professor who proposes this idea, says that in theory, ultrasonic waves can be rotated at high speeds to create force fields that would act like a real screwdriver.
Drinkwater, a professor at Bristol University, is working with a youth science program called Big Bang to inspire young engineers. He said researchers are studying how to manipulate ultrasonic waves — sound waves humans cannot hear – to create a twisting force, like that of a mini-tornado, to remotely turn screws.
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Technology, Rebecca Boyle, echolocation, force field, science fiction, screwdriver, ultrasonic sensors, ultrasound, whoMedical technologists are experimenting with ultrasonic force fields to separate diseased cells from healthy ones, and manufacturers are studying how to use them to attach parts, according to a Bristol University news release.
In the popular BBC series “Doctor Who,” the Time Lord uses a sonic screwdriver to open locks and repair his time machine, among other uses. Drinkwater and colleagues are exploring whether these super-powerful “sound beams” can be made a reality. Part of the goal is to inspire young people to care about science and engineering, he said.
No word on how long it will take for Drinkwater to create a TARDIS.
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Hope not to long!
I could use a TARDIS.
Another step in creating light sabers.
We had seen a sonic screwdriver in late 1960s. The original idea of the sonic screwdriver came from Star Trek: The Original Series in 1960s. Heroic engineer "Scotty" in the Star Trek's Enterprise in the episode of "That Which Survives" used a sonic screwdriver to cut the matter-antimatter fuel flow to the warp engines from exploding within few seconds. Long Live creative 1960s space pioneering spirits that made America strengthen!
I want three.
One to use, one in case that one breaks and one to keep in the box...
@Jeff
Sonic Screwdriver first appeared in Doctor Who in 1968, the Star Trek Episode was first aired in 1969. I don't doubt someone made reference to it before 1968 but it was the Doctor that made it famous.
Also, interesting idea
I want one.
I wonder how much energy it needs to run? It may need advanced concentrated batteries to be able to do enough work to turn a screw
i want one so badly
this will take improvments on many technologies being researched now, batteries for one, i emagine however that a graphene battery, at its full potential, might be a good candidate. Also things like sonic focusing fields, sonic drivers, and much more. So it will be a while but when they come out ill be the first in line :)
being an electrician it would be nice to be able to turn screws that are energized, without the risk.
I wonder if it will work on wood?
If Billy Mays was still alive.