Engineers can find inspiration anywhere. Past designs, nature and scientific breakthroughs are great fodder for these new ideas. However, one of the oldest sources for the dreams we have of tomorrow is the art of science fiction.

On today’s special May the 4th episode, we see how engineers can dream up future technologies to expand the quality of life for the differently abled. Obvious examples are prosthetics, like Luke Skywalker’s hand. But Vader’s suit reminds us that not all disabilities are visible. These conditions can also benefit from new technologies.

Then, we learn about Jared Hansen, manager of Electronics Engineering Solutions at Rand Simulation. He was inspired to discover if the Rebel Alliance could use ground radar to track Tie Fighter attacks. In doing so, he stumbled upon something that correlates to the technology behind a famous stealth bomber! See what he found in this video.

Access all episodes of This Week in Engineering on engineering.com TV along with all of our other series.