Hexapods and Parallel Kinematics Positioning Systems FAQs

Hexapod positioners are often referred to as Stewart Platforms. A hexapod is based on a 6-axis (XYZ, Pitch, Roll, Yaw) actuator system arranged in parallel between a top and bottom platform. PI parallel kinematics (PKM) precision positioning systems have many advantages over serial kinematics stages, such as lower inertia, improved dynamics, smaller package size, and higher stiffness. In addition, hexapods are more flexible than conventional 6-axis positioners.

Download PDF: Hexapod technology and available precision parallel positioners

The controller is a special hexapod controller with internal coordinate transformation and path planning, refined over more than 2 decades of hexapod design & manufacture at PI. In addition to PI’s MikroMove start-up software, LabView drivers, Windows DLLs, and programming examples are included. PI also provides work space simulation software. With PI’s Virtual Hexapod machine, customers can start to test their own programs before the hexapod delivery. Optionally available is PI’s advanced PIVeriMove collision avoidance software, in case the hexapod is used in a confined space with external obstacles.

Hexapods use the PI General Command Set (GCS). GCS provides numerous preprogrammed functions to accelerate the orientation and application development phase significantly. GCS is consistent for all PI motion controllers.

Additional software:

PIMikroMove GUI
Is a very powerful graphical program ensuring rapid start-up right out of the box. It also integrates a Macro language, scan/align algorithms, and a data recorder for system analysis.

LabVIEW 
PI provides complete open source LabVIEW drivers sets to facilitate programming.

Text-Based Programming Languages
All common programming languages under Windows & Linux with libraries and code examples.

Supported languages and software environments
C, C++, Python, Visual C++, Visual Basic, Delphi, LabVIEW, MATLAB, EPICS, TANGO, MetaMorph, µManager and all programming environments that support loading of DLLs

Simulation Programs
Determine work space and permissible load under different Hexapod orientations. A special software tool included with each PI Hexapod calculates and displays the limits graphically.

Emulation: Hexapod Virtual Machine (VM)
Saves cost and time because application programs can be developed and tested on the customer’s PC, before Hexapod delivery. VM emulates mechanics, controller and peripherals.

PIVeriMove Graphical Collision Avoidance Tool
Enables simulation of the Hexapod in the application environment to avoid positions where the Hexapod / load would collide with the surroundings. Import of peripheral objects via CAD data.

HexaApp 
Wireless Hexapod control via iPhone, iPad or iPod

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What Environments Can A PI Hexapod Operate Within?

I Only Need 4 or 5 Degrees of Freedom!

A Hexapod will always have 6-degrees of freedom. In many cases the stiffness and virtual pivot point capability of a hexapod make it a better choice in 4 and 5 degree of freedom applications. In many more cases, 4 and 5 degree of freedom applications are better suited to a stack of 1-axis stages. In which case, there is a good selection of PI stages to choose from. And in either case, PI will seek to understand the requirements of your application and help you make a good choice about the precision motion design path.

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What If I Need Additional Travel In One or More Axes? 

All PI hexapod controllers can handle 6+2 axes. In addition, the hexapod two more linear or rotary stages can be controlled.

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What About Servo Tuning?

Unlike a stack of conventional positioning stages, servo parameters of PI hexapods usually never have to be tweaked. This is in part due to the parallel kinematics nature, where the load is symmetrically divided between all actuators. There is only one common moving platform and because of the very high system stiffness, the servo is much more forgiving. If it needs to be tuned, the parameters are identical for all 6 axes, another advantage over serial kinematics.

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Is A Hexapod Stiffer Than Conventional Stages?

PI hexapods are significantly stiffer than a stack of 6 individual stages. The moving platform is also significantly lighter than the sum of the individual stages. Consider that the bottom stage in conventional 6-axis positioner has to move 5 stages plus the mass of its own platform. As a result, the high stiffness and very low inertia make a system that is very stable and extremely responsive to motion input.

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Can I Program It In LabView?

Yes, PI provides a complete software package with Open source LabVIEW drivers. We are always up-to-date with the latest Labview drivers, offer them free with the controller, and many of our customer use Labview successfully with our support from Auburn, MA or Irvine, CA.

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Are Hexapods Reliable?

PI hexapods are very reliable. There are no exotic or overly sensitive parts used in our hexapods. No dragged cables, 6 identical actuators, precision high load bearings, design and manufacturing continually improved over more than 20 years.  PI’s own dedicated Hexapod controller makes it independent of 3rd party firmware of hardware changes.

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How Do I Synchronize All Axes?

You don’t have to worry about that, it is all handled internally in the hexapod controller. The controller synchronizes the individual legs thousands of times per second. This is completely transparent to the user who only enters desired motion coordinates of the top platform.

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Can The Hexapod Bind Up?

No. PI hexapods are designed without singularities and will not bind up.

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Can It Be Controlled Manually?

Yes, there are two ways: with the optional manual control pad, and wirelessly, with the free iPad hexapod app.

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Are All Hexapods Created Equal?

No. There are many ways to build a hexapod. PI offers several designs with passive and active struts, self-locking hexapods, servo motor-driven, and piezo-motor driven ones, etc. The SpaceFAB planar 6-axis design provides longer travel in the XY plane and a lower profile, at slightly reduced angular travel ranges.

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What Are The Advantages of Working With PI?

1. Experience: Since the early 1990’s, PI has built more micropositioning and nanopositioning hexapods than anybody else in the world.
2. Performance: The performance of a hexapod depends largely on the precision of the joints.  PI designs and manufactures custom joints, e.g. offset cardanic joints for the highest possible stiffness, or flexure joints for nanometer precision applications.  Next to the joints, a lot of the precision comes down to the metrology, math and controller.  Here again, coming to this from the nano-world, PI’s test & metrology equipment and experience makes the difference.
3. You get a complete package and PI’s expert global support.

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