Scientists have used low-cost ultrasonic transducers to form a standing wave of ultrasound. Scientists at the University of Sussex, in collaboration with the University of Bristol, have created the contactless…

Scientists have used low-cost ultrasonic transducers to form a standing wave of ultrasound.

Scientists at the University of Sussex, in collaboration with the University of Bristol, have created the contactless food-delivery system termed as “TastyFloats”. Heston Blumenthal has pioneered scientific cooking in Britain with use of liquid nitrogen and molecular gastronomy.

Scientists have used low-cost ultrasonic transducers to form a standing wave of ultrasound. The waves are manipulated in such a way that they act as acoustic holograms, creating invisible shapes that trap the object in place in mid-air. By changing these patterns, the food can be carried along on the wave and delivered to a precise location.

The technology can be fine-tuned to such a degree that it can even deliver food in a certain order, such as cheese followed by wine, or together, such as espresso with milk.

It is hoped the machine will allow chefs to offer customers new culinary experiences and it could also be used in gaming, virtual reality and cinema.