Acoustic levitation for contact-free robotics

We use acoustic levitation to move, sort and combine materials with precision and zero contamination—at lab and production scale.

Acoustic Levitation: Elevating Sound into Science

AcoustoFab uses acoustic levitation to create software-defined robotics for contact-free systems that power high-speed seed sorting, contamination-free liquid handling, and multi-material 3D printing across life sciences, agritech, pharma, and advanced manufacturing.

acoustic levitation

What is Acoustic Levitation?
The science behind contact-free, software-defined robotics

Acoustic levitation uses phased ultrasound arrays and computational holography to create pressure fields that hold and move matter in mid-air. It enables contact-free handling of droplets, powders, and particles, allowing ejection, transport, and merging without pipettes or nozzles. Fragile seeds can be sorted without damage, and software-defined workflows scale from a 10 cm module to factory footprints, powering lab automation, precision sorting, and multi-material 3D printing.

We Revolutionise Industries with Contact-free Automations

Based in the UK and with over a decade of academic R&D, AcoustoFab pioneers sustainable, contact-free automation. Our advanced processing technology offers precise handling of delicate materials, from seeds to chemicals, while our multi-material 3D printing reduces waste and post-processing. With expertise in computational holography, acoustophoresis, and nanoscience, our team is advancing cleaner, quieter solutions for the future.

Applications

acoustic levitation

Ultrasonic Levitation Solutions for Lab Automation

Revolutionise lab operations with our ultrasonic levitation solutions that ensure precise, contamination-free handling of liquids and samples. Our technology improves accuracy and reduces operational costs, offering unmatched precision in automated lab environments.

acoustic levitation

How Soundwave Levitation is Transforming the Future of Multimaterial 3D Printing

Our soundwave levitation technology redefines 3D printing by enabling the precise, contact-free placement of multiple materials, including integration of functional components. This capability allows for complex, customised constructions with increased efficiency and reduced waste.

Testimonials

  • "

    Sorting accuracy is probably the most critical decision factor in our industry. AcoustoFab’s innovative technology not only promises to enhance our sorting results significantly but also opens the door to streamlining operations by reducing the number of required lines. This could have a major cost impact, and we believe AcoustoFab’s approach is poised to be a game-changer for the seed and food sector.

    — Global Sales Director, Seed & Food at AGCO Corporation
    (July, 2024)

  • "

    Acoustic levitation technology is a groundbreaking innovation that has the potential to revolutionize various industries. Its ability to manipulate objects without physical contact opens up new possibilities in manufacturing, materials science, and beyond. At Switch Science, we are excited to see how this technology will inspire makers and engineers to develop novel applications that were previously unimaginable.

    — Masakazu Takasu, Global Business Development, Switch Science

  • "

    Acoustic levitation technology offers a groundbreaking solution for sample delivery in Synchrotron and XFELS experiments. This approach has the potential to transform how we approach sample handling, and I believe it could significantly accelerate progress across many fields.

    — Dr. Peter Docker, Research Scientist, Diamond Light Source

Why Us

  • High-Speed Precision Sorting

    Achieve multi-bin sorting speeds of 15 to 30 items per second with AcoustoFab’s innovative technology, designed to handle delicate and small materials with exceptional accuracy, reducing waste and maximising efficiency in high-demand environments.

  • Multimaterial Levitation and Sorting Versatility

    Our acoustic levitation solutions seamlessly handle a range of materials, from seeds to electronic components to liquid samples, enabling flexible, contactless manipulation for sorting, inspection, and processing, all customised and automated to meet your unique industry requirements and existing workflows.

  • Proven Expertise and Innovation in Acoustic Technology

    Backed by over 10 years of academic R&D, AcoustoFab is the first to bring commercialised acoustic levitation to market, setting new standards in precision automation with solutions trusted by leading industries worldwide.

Pioneers in Acoustic Fabrication

AcoustoFab is a UK-based leader in acoustic levitation technology, pioneering contact-free automation solutions for industries requiring precise material handling and manipulation. Founded by a team of four PhD experts with over a decade of academic research, AcoustoFab is the first to commercialise advanced ultrasonic levitation applications across agritech, pharmaceutical labs, and 3D printing verticals. Recognised for our innovation in acoustic technology, AcoustoFab delivers unparalleled precision and efficiency, empowering businesses to increase their throughput, enhance product quality, reduce waste, and transform their automation capabilities.

News

News
Showcasing at Food4Future 2024
Showcasing at Food4Future 2024

At the Food4Future 2024 expo in Bilbao, Spain, AcoustoFab showcased its groundbreaking acoustic levitation technology, highlighting its transformative potential in food processing and agritech.

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Acoustic Levitation: Shaping the Future of Technology
Acoustic Levitation: Shaping the Future of Technology

A recent New Scientist article explores the transformative potential of acoustic levitation, showcasing its wide-ranging applications across industries.

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Acoustic Levitation at CES 2024
Acoustic Levitation at CES 2024

At CES 2024, AcoustoFab unveiled its groundbreaking acoustic levitation technology, demonstrating the ability to manipulate objects without physical contact.

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BBC Explores AcoustoFab’s Acoustic Levitation Technology in a Fun Kids-Friendly Feature
BBC Explores AcoustoFab’s Acoustic Levitation Technology in a Fun Kids-Friendly Feature

We’re thrilled to share a delightful BBC video featuring our very own Sri Subramanian, where he explains the magic of acoustic levitation in a way that’s accessible and fun for kids.

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FAQs

  • Sound levitation uses focused ultrasonic waves to apply small, precise forces that lift and manipulate objects without contact. AcoustoFab’s patented, tried and tested, technology enables high-precision contact-free sorting, handling, and inspection across various industries, minimising contamination and mechanical damage.

  • AcoustoFab’s ultrasonic levitation technology provides contact-free, precise control over delicate materials, enhancing sorting accuracy, reducing waste, and improving automation efficiency. It benefits industries like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and 3D printing by increasing throughput and reducing operational costs.

  • AcoustoFab’s soundwave levitation enables non-contact sorting that reduces damage and waste, improving accuracy by precisely manipulating objects based on size, density, or shape. This efficient method leads to higher quality yields and lower maintenance costs.

Innovative Solutions for Precision & Efficiency

Experience the future of precision automation with AcoustoFab’s contact-free sound levitation technology—designed to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and deliver unmatched accuracy across industries. Get in touch today to explore how we can transform your operations.