Strategic Platform for the Next-Generation Acoustically Actuated User Interfaces
About the Program
JST AsPIRE (Adopting Sustainable Partnerships for Innovative Research Ecosystem) [JP][EN] is a funding initiative by the Japan Science and Technology Agency aimed at promoting high-impact international research collaboration. Our project was selected under the FY2023 call and is supported from February 2024 to March 2027 in the research area of AI and Information.
This project aims to develop a strategic platform for next-generation acoustically actuated user interfaces. We are building a global framework that connects advanced research in acoustics, human-computer interaction, microfluidics, and volumetric displays to create novel ways to interface with digital systems through sound-based physical manipulation.
Project Goals
- Develop the Next Generation of Acoustic Actuation Systems Creating novel hardware and control methods for levitation, tactile feedback, droplet manipulation, and mid-air interaction using sound waves.
- Foster Bilateral and Multilateral Research Ties Establishing sustainable, high-impact collaborations between Japan, Europe, and the United States.
- Promote Next-Generation Researchers Supporting early-career scientists and graduate students through international exchanges, internships, and joint development opportunities.
- Build Open and Reproducible Systems Delivering transparent, shareable tools and platforms to accelerate innovation across disciplines.
International Partner Principal Investigators
- [Spain] Dr. Asier Marzo Lecturer in Computer Science Department of Mathematics and Computer Engineering Public University of Navarra
- [UK] Prof. Bruce Drinkwater Professor of Ultrasonics Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering University of Bristol
- [UK] Dr. Diego Martinez Plasencia Associate Professor Department of Computer Science University College London
- [UK] Dr. Ruchi Gupta Associate Professor Faculty of Chemistry University of Birmingham
- [US] Dr. Daniel Smalley Associate Professor Electrical and Computer Engineering Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering Brigham Young University
Latest Activties
Keita Receives Best Presentation Award
We are pleased to share that Mr. Keita Okano, a master’s student at the University of Tsukuba, has been recognized at the Multiphase Flow Symposium 2025, held at Kobe University from September 3–5, 2026. His presentation received both the: Presentation Title “Rotational and mixing dynamics of an acoustically levitated droplet using phased array” Authors: Mr.…
2025 Ultrasonic AsPIRE Conference
On May 2nd, 2025, we held the Ultrasonic AsPIRE Conference at the University of Tsukuba—a small, focused workshop with 14 participants dedicated to the exploration of ultrasonic manipulation and wave-based interfaces. Although modest in scale, the event was intentionally scheduled to align with other international conferences, including CHI 2025 in Yokohama, which made it convenient…
Our Lab at JST Science Agora 2024
On Saturday, October 26th and Sunday, October 27th, 2024, our laboratory participated in JST Science Agora, Japan’s largest public science communication event. We presented live demonstrations of our research, including: We had many enthusiastic visitors and enjoyed exciting interactions with people of all ages. It was a fantastic opportunity to share our work and spark…
Dr. Tatsuki Fushimi 