Hexapods, 6-axis positioning stages, are based on parallel kinematics, and often referred to as Stewart Platforms. A hexapod positioning system is based on a 6-axis actuator system (XYZ, Pitch, Roll, Yaw) arranged in parallel between a top and bottom platform. PI's parallel kinematics (PKM) multi-axis precision positioning systems have many advantages over conventional serial kinematics stages, including lower inertia, improved dynamics, smaller package size, and higher stiffness. The user-programmable pivot point – integral to all PI high-performance hexapod multi-axis motion controllers – provides additional benefits, especially in alignment applications of lenses, optics, and fiber optic components. Watch a short pivot-point demo video.
With three decades of Hexapod six-axis stage design and manufacturing experience, PI electro-mechanical hexapods and piezo hexapod positioners are the most advanced multi- axis precision positioning systems in the world, providing significantly higher precision than hydraulically driven systems. They are available in many sizes, and configurations for loads from 2 kg to more than 2000 kg, and most are self locking.
In addition to classical "Stewart Platform" type hexapods, PI also offers alternative parallel positioners, such as the SpaceFAB 6DOF Motion Platform design, which allows for longer linear travel ranges with a lower profile.
Controller and Software
PI hexapods are operated by dedicated, state-of-the-art vector motion controllers with virtual pivot point capability. An extensive software package including alignment algorithms e.g. for fiber optics etc, as well as simulation tools are included.
Vacuum and Atmospheric Version
Many of our hexapods and parallel positioners are available in vacuum versions, some for UHV levels to 10-9 Torr.
High-Speed / Dynamics Hexapod Platforms for Motion & Vibration Simulation
PI provides several solutions, with brushless motors and voice-coil linear motor direct drives. Watch video of highly dynamic, linear-motor hexapod platform.
Book a Hexapod Demo
In-person or Virtual
See how easy it is to get started with the H-811 hexapod and PI software.
Miniature High Precision Hexapod 6-Axis Stages with Electromagnetic Motors and Precision Screw Drives
The H-811 miniature high precision hexapod strikes a perfect balance of size, load and performance. It has many applications in micro-assembly, silicon photonics alignment and also comes in a high-dynamics version for image stabilization. A vacuum-compatible miniature high precision hexapod version to 10-6 hPa is also available. The H-810 is similar, with a smaller base plate diameter.
Special Systems for Photonics Alignment
For fiber alignment and photonics alignment, a special F-712.HU1system based on the H-811 is also available.
Mid Size / Mid Load High Precision Hexapod 6-Axis Stages
Up to 30kg (66lb)
Most of these high performance 6-DOF hexapod stages are available with brushless motors for long life operation. Some provide absolute measuring encoders – no referencing required after power up. The H-824 and H-825 models use a folded drive train for reduced height. The H-206 uses frictionless and backlash-free flexure joints.
High Load, High Precision Hexapod 6-Axis Stages
250kg to 500kg (550lb to 1100lb)
These high performance, high load hexapods are designed for standard loads up to 1000kg (higher load custom versions can also be offered). Despite the high load capacity, they deliver sub-micron resolution. PI’s special cardanic joints with Z-offset provide the highest stiffness and best orientation-independent performance and are ideal for industrial automation and production.
High Dynamics Hexapods / Motion Hexapods for 6-Axis Motion Simulation, Image Stabilization
For 6-Axis Motion Simulation, Image Stabilization
Highest Dynamics
The high-speed H-860 6-axis stage is designed for highest acceleration. Its frictionless design is based on closed-loop voice coil drives, flexure guides and carbon fiber struts for minimized mass and inertia – ideal for image stabilization / simulation applications.
Smallest Size
The H-811 is a CIPA certified miniature hexapod with brushless motors and ball screw struts.
Highest Load
The H-900KSCO is designed for high loads in precision industrial automation, machine tools, automotive manufacturing, and simulation of motion on vessels.
Custom 6-Axis Stage Hexapods
These custom hexapods show the enormous bandwidth of PI‘s design capabilities.
Piezo Flexure Hexapods / 6-Axis Nanopositioning Stages, Short Travel
These piezo-stack driven systems provide faster response than conventional stages, in the low millisecond range, however with positioning ranges limited to <1mm.
P-587 and P-562 are flexure guided, piezo driven stages with capacitive feedback for application, such as ultra-resolution microscopy and optical lithography, etc.
