Ultrasonic

Japanese electronics company Murata Manufacturing has unveiled a squad of robotic cheerleaders. The ten ball-mounted robots use advanced ultrasonics, infrared, and group control technology to perform synchronized dance routines with perfect stability.

Unlike experimental laser-based tractor beams that so far have only been able to influence targets at the microscopic level so far, researchers from the University of Dundee have created a tractor beam using ultrasonic energy to move macro (>1 cm) objects towards the energy source.

Injection molding is the widely preferred method for shaping plastic medical components, but now a new type of machine promises to slash energy and materials costs. Ultrasion's Sonorous 1G uses ultrasound to produce highly targeted and efficient heating to melt its plastic base material.

Fumo is an interactive smoking pole which rewards smokers who dispose of their cigarette butts in an appropriate manner. It may not prevent people from smoking, but it should at least lessen the problem of littering associated with the habit.

The tyranny of streaking, chattering windshield wipers may be at an end, with McLaren Automotive's disclosure that the performance motoring company is investigating the use of military jet "ultrasonic force fields" to replace windshield wipers in automobiles.

With its Budgee Bot robot, Five Elements Robotics has created a machine that embodies Karel Čapek's original artificial automaton. Though Budgee Bot is not designed for a life confined to a factory, it is designed to obediently follow you around, carrying your stuff.

Holodeck, anyone? Researchers at Bristol University are developing a system known as UltraHaptics that uses ultrasonic force fields to project the tactile sensations of objects in midair. Currently used for a haptic computer interface, the system might eventually enable touchable holograms.

NASA is working on a new system for detecting the ultrasonic noise of an air leak on the International Space Station before it turns into a dangerous race against time.

Scientists have created a highly-focused beam of sound that could be used for non-invasive surgery.

Targeted at the African market, LG's "Anti-Mosquito" air conditioner emits inaudible ultrasonic waves to repel malaria-transmitting mosquitoes.

An Israeli zoologist plans on studying bat behavior by equipping captive-raised bats with GPS, ultra-sonic microphones, and other sensors.

Physicists at the University of Dundee have developed what could be the first generation of Dr. Who's sonic screwdriver.