2014 Volume 19 Issue 4 Pages 615-624
Modern technology development has made the border between life and matter more ambiguous. In this research, we aim to extract and express creature-like behavior from inanimate objects. By generating a standing wave with focused ultrasound, a phenomenon known as acoustic levitation enables a physical particle to float in mid-air. The particle is trapped in the ultrasonic focal point and follows its position. We have developed a system where users can interact with the floating particle that looks and behaves as though it is a small hovering bug. We have received many reactions and opinions from attendees at exhibitions. In this paper, we describe the system overview, concept, design, implementation, and feedbacks from the exhibitions.