Ultrafast Untethered Levitation Device Utilized Squeeze Film for Omni‐Directional Transport

Abstract

The demand for ultrafast omnidirectional transport capable of moving small components, such as electronic parts, soft materials, and droplets, continues to grow. However, their operational speeds are often constrained by surface friction. To address this limitation, an untethered levitation device with dimensions 95 × 72 × 45 mm³ and a weight of 106 g is developed, using a piezoelectric actuator to generate a squeeze film. Lightweight driving electronics, including a function generator, amplifier, and battery, with a combined weight of 77 g, are developed to eliminate wires and achieve ultra‐high speed. A body speed of 15 s⁻¹ is achieved, which is significantly higher than that of conventional carriers, ensuring both flexibility and efficiency. Based on experimental evaluation, the device maintains frictionless movement on flat surfaces made of various materials, including those commonly found on desks and whiteboards. On a whiteboard, it moves horizontally at speeds over 1.4 ms⁻¹ and maintained frictionless sliding at over 3.0 ms⁻¹ on an inclined surface. With a payload capacity exceeding 0.4 times its weight, the device is suitable for ultrafast surface transport. Transporting a dish filled with tiny parts demonstrates its feasibility for electronics, machinery assembly, and biomedical and chemical applications.