Non-contact transportation using near-field acoustic levitation

Ultrasonics. 2000 Mar;38(1-8):26-32. doi: 10.1016/s0041-624x(99)00052-9.

Abstract

Near-field acoustic levitation, where planar objects 10 kg in weight can levitate stably near the vibrating plate, is successfully applied both to non-contact transportation of objects and to a non-contact ultrasonic motor. Transporting apparatuses and an ultrasonic motor have been fabricated and their characteristics measured. The theory of near-field acoustic levitation both for a piston-like sound source and a flexural vibration source is also briefly described.