AsPIRE Project

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

21st Itakura Prize (独創研究奨励賞 板倉記念)

I am pleased to report that I have received the 21st Itakura Prize Innovative Young Researcher Award (令和8年 独創研究奨励賞 板倉記念) from the Acoustical Society of Japan. This year, the award was given for my work titled “Digital Twin–based Optimization of Acoustic Holograms.” The prize recognizes original contributions by early-career researchers in acoustics, and it is…

Tatsuki's avatar by Tatsuki

Our Paper Published in npj Acoustics

📄 Published Article Title: Experimental and numerical study of acoustic streaming in mid-air phased arraysDOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s44384-025-00040-7 This study examines acoustic streaming generated by ultrasonic phased arrays in air, combining experimental measurements with numerical modeling to provide a quantitative understanding of sound-driven flows. The results contribute to fundamental acoustics research and support the development of applications…

Tatsuki's avatar by Tatsuki

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.…

Tatsuki's avatar by Tatsuki