One of the elementary stages of the flotation process is the formation of an aggregate between the particle and a bubble. This aggregate formation is governed by hydrodynamic, capillary and interparticle forces. During the last four years, techniques have been developed to measure directly the force between a colloidal particle and a bubble. These techniques are closely related to the development of atomic force microscopy. Advantages and possibilities, as well as Limits and drawbacks are described.