A mechanical translator includes at least one magnet that is disposed on a substrate
to carry a load and has a magnetic axis generally transverse to the substrate,
establishing a magnetic field with maximum external density adjacent the substrate.
An ultra low friction interface is obtained with ferrofluid bearings, such as a
light mineral oil medium mixed with isoparaffinic acid, which establish a critical
angle of displacement from a horizontal static position of less than 1 degree,
and preferably less than 10 minutes. A controller of magnetic material can be placed
on the opposite side of the substrate to control the movement of the magnets.
