‘Star Wars' Tractor Beam Real? [Watch]

Scientists recently created a sonic “tractor beam” that has the ability to push, pull and pirouette objects that float in the air.

The Daily Beast reported that a tractor beam is a term from science fiction shows and movies such as “Star Wars” and “Star Trek.” The Death Star featured hundreds of tractor beam generators that could capture other space ships. “Star Trek” further popularized the idea by showing tractor beams frequently bringing in smaller aircrafts into space stations and motherships.

In “Star Wars,” tractor beams were invisible. In “Star Trek,” the beams consisted of shimmering rays of light. The real version made by scientists from the University of Bristol and University of Sussex, with the aid of Ultrahaptics, consisted of pure sound that control objects.

Live Science revealed that the sonic tractor beam depends on an accurately timed sound wave sequence that create an area of low pressure, thereby trapping tiny objects which can be controlled by using sound waves only. The study should that the concept actually works while the technique may be adjusted to manipulate human body cells or precisely introduce medicine via acoustically activated drug capsules. Bruce Drinkwater, co-author of the study and mechanical engineer at the University of Bristol explained the process.

Drinkwater said that before, scientists used a variety of materials and devices to levitate objects. In 2014, researchers at the University of Dundee in Scotland presented that acoustic holograms can theoretically suck in objects, similar to how the fictional tractor beam works. The new study was inspired by the concept and used sound waves, consisting of high and low pressure that move through a medium like air, to create force.

“We’ve all experienced the force of sound – if you go to a rock concert, not only do you hear it, but you can sometimes feel your innards being moved. It’s a question of harnessing that force.” Drinkwater told Live Science.

Drinkwater, AsierMarzo and other researchers conducted computer simulations and found three different acoustic force fields that can manipulate and suck in objects. One functioned like tweezer and could grab and hold items. The second can trap objects in a high-pressure cage. The third had a rotating high-pressure field with a low-pressure surrounding. 64 mini loudspeakers made by Ultrahapticswere used to produce sound waves precisely. The team successfully levitated lightweight polystyrene balls.

The findings of the study were published in the journal Natural Communications. More related studies and tests are expected in the near future.