Hexapods

Six degree of freedom parallel kinematic robotic systems are revolutionising the manufacturing processes of products requiring nanometer resolution and repeatability.

With 5 nanometer resolution revolving around a virtual point in space coupled with speeds of up to 110 mm/sec these robotic products form the basis of the next generation of automated nano-positioning systems for the most demanding applications in photonics, packaging, test, micro machining, government, measurement, medical and semiconductor manufacturing.

The inherent nature of the design means that settling times after a move are less than 2 ms with no servo dither. In addition, the frictional force between the linear motor and the motion linkage means no hysteresis or loss of position if the power is lost.

The Hexapod, with additional preparation, can meet Class 10 clean room standards. We can also provide systems that will work in vacuum chambers 10 to the minus 10 Torr. Plus the robotic systems have no electromagnetic generation.

To assure performance of complex forward and inverse kinematic equations in a parallel structure the controller system is critical therefore we have chosen Delta Tau.  The UMAC (Universal Motion and Automation Controller) is a modular PMAC system built with a set of 3U-format Eurocards.  The configuration of any UMAC system starts with the selection of the Turbo PMAC CPU and continues with the addition of the necessary axes boards, I/O boards, communication interfaces (USB, Ethernet, etc.) and 4096 encoder interpolators. 

The Turbo PMAC motion controller inside the UMAC System provides the necessary structure to enable the user to easily implement and execute complex kinematic calculations.  Kinematic calculations are required when there is a non-linear mathematical relationship between the tool-tip coordinates and the matching positions of the actuators (joints) of the mechanism, typical in non-Cartesian geometries.

This capability permits the motion for the machine to be programmed in the natural coordinates of the tool-tip, usually Cartesian coordinates, whatever the underlying geometry of the machine. The "forward-kinematic" calculations use the joint positions as input, and convert them to tool-tip coordinates.

Product Features:

Single Sided Motor Hexapods

Dual and Quad Motor Hexapods