It's common to hear Star Wars fans observe that technology in the universe has stagnated. Whether it's during the reign of the First Order, in the midst of the Clone Wars, or back in the days of the Old Republic, the technology of the time seems to differ only aesthetically. Starships zip around the galaxy through hyperspace, popular sidearms are laser-shooting blasters, and a varied array of robotic droids whirl and bleat as they go about their tasks. Indeed, it's more common for Star Wars characters to access advanced technology from the past than to develop it in the present. Every once in a while, however, a visionary comes along and breaks the technological status quo. One such individual was the ill-fated doctor Cylo, whose creations hint what's possible as the franchise moves forward.

Technically, the idea that technological progress in Star Wars has stalled is incorrect. While virtually every...