HONG KONG: Researchers have unveiled the first-ever sonic tractor beam, capable of lifting and moving objects using only sound waves.
Tractor beams from science-fiction narratives typically consist of some sort of laser-like column able to pick up and manipulate spaceships. In reality, the new technology isn’t quite that powerful.
Designed by scientists at the University of Sussex, the newly unveiled tractor beam uses small, specially arranged speakers to move a tiny ball made of polystyrene. A collection of 64 mini loudspeakers creates columns of dense sound waves.
These sonic columns create a sort of force field that traps the ball in the air. By changing the levels and distribution of the high-pitched and high-intensity sound waves, the device can move ball through the air.
