One or more electrodes are attached to an electrically permeable substrate attached to an incubator and energized with A.C. signals, D.C. signals or both A.C. and D.C signals. E-fields emitted from the electrodes pass through the substrate and into the incubator. The e-fields generate or apply dielectrophoresis (DEP) forces on small particles suspended in a liquid inside the incubator. The strength and direction of the DEP forces are controlled and manipulated by the manipulating the signals and can manipulate the motion of the suspended particles. The shapes of the electrodes help shape the generated e-fields and facilitate complex movements of the suspended particles. The suspended particles can be stem cells in a nutrient rich solution.