New Metamaterial Enables Remote Object Manipulation Underwater Using Sound

Underwater Acoustic Metamaterial

Imagine moving and rotating objects underwater—or even inside the human body—without physical contact. Thanks to an innovative new acoustic metamaterial developed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, this science-fiction scenario is becoming a scientific reality.

This breakthrough, presented by doctoral researcher Dajun Zhang at the 188th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America, introduces a specially engineered composite that can be remotely manipulated using precisely tuned sound waves. With potential applications ranging from underwater robotics to in-body surgical procedures, the implications of this metamaterial are profound and far-reaching.

How It Works: Sound-Driven Motion with Structured Surfaces

The metamaterial features a sawtooth-patterned surface that interacts asymmetrically with sound waves. When targeted by underwater acoustic fields, it responds by moving—either pushing, pulling, or rotating—depending on how the waves reflect off the surface. This allows researchers to guide objects in fluid environments without any mechanical linkage or propulsion system.

By affixing the metamaterial to lightweight objects such as foam, wax, or wood, Zhang demonstrated full control over their movement in water. He even achieved 3D spatial manipulation for submerged objects, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in non-contact underwater engineering.

Why This Matters: From Underwater Robotics to Medicine

This research represents a leap forward in underwater actuation technology. Traditional manipulation methods in liquids rely on physical arms, tethers, or magnetic control—often limited in precision, scalability, and practicality.

Zhang's acoustic approach opens the door to more sophisticated applications:

  • Remotely guided underwater robots or vehicle components
  • Medical tools for internal manipulation or drug delivery
  • Acoustic assembly systems for fragile structures in aquatic or biological environments

Because sound waves travel efficiently through water—and the human body is mostly water—this technique could also be adapted for minimally invasive procedures, including future iterations of targeted ultrasound therapy or precision microsurgery.

Low-Cost, High-Resolution Fabrication

Unlike many high-tech materials that require expensive or complex production techniques, Zhang’s metamaterial was created using a new fabrication process that is both affordable and scalable. It delivers high-resolution features with excellent acoustic impedance contrast, a critical requirement for underwater acoustic applications.

“Current fabrication methods for underwater metamaterials lack resolution and are expensive,” says Zhang. “Our method solves this, offering high resolution and strong acoustic performance at low cost.”

What’s Next?

Future research will focus on miniaturizing the metamaterial and making it more flexible, paving the way for wearable or injectable patches. The ability to use sound to manipulate objects in liquid environments without contact has transformative potential not only for ocean engineering but also for personalized medicine and biomedical devices.

🔗 Original article citation: TechXplore – New metamaterial enables remote movement of objects underwater using sound (May 20, 2025)

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