On Tuesday, scientists announced that they have invented that tractor beam of science fiction and are able to manipulate and levitate objects using sound waves. Scientists on the research project are amplifying sound waves to lift and maneuver objects without touching them.

The project was carried out by teams at England’s University of Bristol and Spain’s Public University of Navarre. The research discovered that the vibrations of the sound can cause actual physical waves that can physically move and manipulate objects, according to Reuters. The scientists likened it to feeling the vibrations in your chest when exposed to loud music, especially a heavy bass line.

So far, the teams have only been able to manipulate and move objects that are about one seventh of an inch in diameter. The waves can’t be heard by human ears as humans can’t hear above 20 kilohertz. The sound waves are coming in at 40 kilohertz using ultra sound frequency.

The scientists used what are known as transducers to perform the sonic manipulations. They created these transducers by using 64 tiny speakers. With these, they were able to produce what they called “acoustic holograms” which was what allowed them to levitate and maneuver objects around. The sound waves create a tornado like vortex that picks an object up and then creates a cage like energy that holds the object in place within the vortex.

The teams noted that multiple waves will actually create 3D shapes of energy that will actually hold an object in the place they want it to be held. The biggest thing they have moved has been a 4mm sized plastic bead. They hypothesize that if they can ramp up the transducers and make them stronger and more powerful, it may be possible for them to lift and manipulate an object such as a steel ball.

The team looks toward medical applications for their discovery. The envision doctors will be able to manipulate medications, blood clots, or even cells, without having to make an incision.