Science & Technology

Scientists build 'real-life teleporter'

By T.K. Randall
January 24, 2015

Image: Star Trek Transporter Room
Credit: Mobilus In Mobili / CC BY-SA 2.0 (adapted) Named 'Scotty' after the Enterprise's chief engineer, the machine consists of two units - one for sending and one for receiving.

The object to be transported is first placed in the sending unit where it is broken down and scanned by the computer.The schematics of the object are then sent over the Internet to the receiving unit which uses a 3D printer to recreate it at the new location which can be anywhere in the world.

While technically more of a replicator than a transporter, the device nonetheless succeeds in reproducing the object under the limitations of current 3D printing technology.

"Scotty guarantees that a personal, handmade gift remains unique when sent across distances, i.e. that there is no other copy - an important aspect that emphasizes the intimate relationship between sender and receiver," the research team wrote.


Source: Telegraph

Tags: Star Trek, Transporter, Teleporter