Jedi Warrior Training: Science Fiction Meets Science Fun

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When the first Star Wars movie was released in 1977, it was like nothing the world had ever seen. In the three decades that have followed, many of the futuristic gadgetry brought to life in the movie -- and the sequels, prequels, and spin-offs it spawned -- have indeed become reality, from vehicles for space travel to robotic appendages to military weapons and beyond. In fact, it's not uncommon to hear someone describe innovative new technologies as "like something out of Star Wars!"

While it's true that new film technologies have rendered the once awesome special effects of the original three Star Wars movies somewhat quaint, the franchise continues to dominate the science fiction world with new movies, animated television series, video games, comic books and beyond. We've enjoyed building realistic models of Star Wars vehicles for years, and this year Star Wars toys are entering a new realm with an epic line of incredibly imaginative and engaging items from Uncle Milton.

Inspired first by the movies, and later by the hugely popular interactive museum tour Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination, Uncle Milton toy developers have truly taken science toys to a new level with this intriguing new line. The star of the line is The Force Trainer, which combines cutting edge technology with classic Star Wars fun.

In a nutshell, says Uncle Milton's Executive Vice President Frank Adler, The Force Trainer allows you to "move an object with the power of your mind." The Force Trainer utilizes an innovative headset that senses the brain waves generated when you concentrate, triggering a flow of air that moves a Training Sphere. The harder you concentrate, the better able you are to move and control the sphere. Guided by Jedi Master Yoda, trainees advance through 15 levels, from Padawan rank to Jedi Master.

"This is your chance to actually replicate what it's like to use the force," says Adler. "It will only activate if you're concentrating."

(Note to concerned moms and dads: The headset uses Electroencephalography (EEG), a widely used, safe and noninvasive technology.)

With the Darth Vader Robotic Arm, Uncle Milton blends the ultimate in science education with the ultimate in Star Wars cool. The kit guides you in building a working robotic arm like the one Darth Vader uses in the movies. "By doing so," says Adler, "you learn how the basics of robotics work, how these parts and pieces and components translate into an actual working, functioning arm." Robotics is central to many of today's most innovative scientific breakthroughs, and this kit is an exceptional way to bridge the gap between science fiction and science reality for young Star Wars fans.

The line also introduces basic concepts related to optics through the Optical Command Unit, which allows you to build and assemble a pair of working binoculars. The unit also functions as a mini magnifier and a mini holographic projector through which you can view slides of Star Wars: The Clone Wars characters in all their holographic glory.

The Talking Jedi Telescope can be used as a real telescope to view the Earth's night sky, but it also includes built-in images from Star Wars. When you view the Star Wars images, you'll get an audio tour from Yoda describing the far reaches of the galaxy you're seeing and how they compare to actual places on your home planet, Earth. Similarly, the Jedi Projector presents images of two dozen Star Wars: The Clone Wars vehicles with audio commentary comparing them to vehicles you'll find on Earth.

In addition to these innovative high-tech gizmos, the Uncle Milton Star Wars line also includes some classic science kits redesigned for the Star Wars enthusiast. The Mustafar Volcano Kit guides you in creating erupting volcanoes on a replica of the planet Mustafar. The Naboo Sea Creatures are actually Triops, prehistoric creatures that are easy to raise and care for, set in a habitat that resembles the planet Naboo. The Dagobah Frog Habitat is a detailed replica of Yoda's home planet in which you can raise tadpoles to become frogs.

The line combines the best of the classic Star Wars movies with all the fun of the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series, and every product comes with a detailed learning guide to maximize the educational value. "It's educational," says Adler, "but it's also a lot of fun." With several generations of Star Wars fans and collectors clambering for these tempting new toys, Uncle Milton is expecting a huge response to the initial release this summer. They'll be debuting the line at Comic-Con in San Diego the week of July 22 and we'll have the full line of Uncle Milton Star Wars toys available for pre-order at midnight on July 23. Be sure to order early. The Force is strong with this one!