Re:I don't understand (Score 1)

The "specialness" is that it manipulates objects specifically *without* using a "grabber". It basically buzzes or shakes objects from one place to another across a surface. The amplitude and direction of vibrations can be varied, which allows for some really cool effects like moving only items that weigh within a certain range, or are of a certain shape. Example. Pour some salt, some flour, some ball bearings and some little plastic fishing floaters into a bottle. Shake well. Tip the homogenous mass onto the manipulator surface. It can be programmed to send different vibrations in different directions which will have the effect of sorting the four different kinds of stuff into the four corners of the table. Very very cool. As with all new techniques, applications already exist and more will be found. Darryl.