An omnidirectional electromagnet (100) is disclosed. The omnidirectional electromagnet (100) comprises a ferromagnetic core (110) and three orthogonal solenoids (120, 130, 140) disposed about the core (110). Each solenoid (120, 130, 140) is adapted to receive a current from a current source to control an orientation and a magnitude of a magnetic field generated by the omnidirectional electromagnet (100). One or more omnidirectional electromagnets (100) can be used as a single magnetic manipulation system. The magnetic field generated by the omnidirectional electromagnet system can be used to control at least one of a force, a torque, an orientation, and a position of an adjacent magnetic object.