Scientists from the University of Dundee have created a “acoustic tractor beam” that is capable of moving objects.

Taking inspiration from Star Trek, the researchers used an ultrasound array to exert a force behind an object and pull it towards the sound source, with their findings published in the journal Physical Review Letters.

Dr Christine Demore, of the Institute for Medical Science and Technology (IMSAT) at Dundee, said:

“This is the first time anyone has demonstrated a working acoustic tractor beam and the first time such a beam has been used to move anything bigger than microscopic targets.

“We were able to show that you could exert sufficient force on an object around one centimetre in size to hold or move it, by directing twin beams of energy from the ultrasound array towards the back of the object.”

Researchers from the same university had previously taken inspiration from Doctor Who and created a sonic screwdriver.