How sound waves can take us one step closer to sci-fi movies

A growing number of researchers are studying how to use sound waves to simulate touch.

All of that thanks to a 320 ultrasonic transducers grid (Trans-DU-serz), devices that emit high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to humans, yet strong enough to apply pressure to the skin and even lift small objects.

One can change the position and shape of the tactile illusion by focusing the waves and tuning them precisely to create an “object” floating in space.

The research implies a whole new way of using electronics, due to the great variety of objects that can be simulated.

Drivers could control phones or radios by rotating their fingers in the air while keeping their eyes on the road, while gamers could literally touch their imaginary worlds.

The same technology makes possible an “acoustic tractor beam”, that uses sound waves to levitate, move and guide small objects, behaving like invisible tweezers.

It can also simulate the feeling of touching different things. At a certain frequency, the sound waves may feel like raindrops falling on your hand, while at a higher frequency, they might take on the consistency of foam.