Overview

• Dajun Zhang, a doctoral student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has developed a metamaterial with a sawtooth-patterned surface that enables remote manipulation of objects underwater using sound waves.
• The metamaterial allows precise pushing, pulling, and rotation of objects by creating controlled acoustic radiation forces, demonstrated on materials like wood, wax, and plastic foam.
• Zhang's innovative low-cost fabrication method achieves high-resolution structures with strong acoustic impedance contrast, addressing prior challenges in underwater metamaterial production.
• Potential applications include underwater robotics, remote assembly tasks, and non-invasive medical procedures such as targeted drug delivery and remote surgery.
• Zhang is currently working to refine the design into smaller, more flexible patches to expand its use in complex underwater and medical environments.