Multi-dimensional magnetic levitation and translation system and methods

A system for levitating a target object comprising:

• a frame defining a volume;
• six electromagnets mounted to said frame, the at least one electromagnet configured to generate a magnetic field within the volume in response to an electric current;
• a power source configured to supply the electric current to the at least one electromagnet;
• a device controller operatively connected to the power source and at least one electromagnet, the device controller configured to control the electric current to the at least one electromagnet
• wherein the first and second electromagnets are positioned in a spaced-apart relationship along a first axis, the third and fourth electromagnets are positioned in a spaced-apart relationship along a second axis, and the fifth and sixth electromagnets are positioned in a spaced-apart relationship along a third axis, wherein each of the first axis, second axis and third axis are perpendicular to each other.

A method of levitating a target object, the method comprising:

• placing the target object within a volume defined by a frame;
• determining a first positional state of the target object by at least one sensor;
• generating a magnetic field by applying an electric current to at least one electromagnet and applying a magnetic force on the target object;
• with a sensor coupled to the frame, determining a direction and magnitude of external forces acting on the frame;
• and,
• adjusting the magnetic field based on the measured external forces to maintain a positional state of the target object.