A hexapod is a robotic manipulator capable of moving a payload in all six degrees of freedom: lateral, longitudinal, and vertical translations as well as roll, pitch, and yaw rotations. Motions can be made simultaneously in multiple axes or independently in a single axis while preventing movement in the others. A hexapod’s parallel actuator arrangement provides high load capacity, stiffness, and accuracy compared to other robotic manipulator architectures. Product models are distinguished by their actuation, sensing, control system, payload capacity, range, resolution, and bandwidth. Hexapod applications can be divided into three primary categories: precise positioning, motion simulation, and vibration isolation.

Positioning and Pointing

Hexapods can allow a payload, such as an optic or laser source, to be precisely aligned and oriented relative to another object even as thermal or other forms of drift continually create misalignment. They can be used for space vehicle docking systems, munitions loading, assembly line positioning, surgical systems, and end effectors for serial manipulators.

Vibration Isolation and Control

Hexapods can also isolate payloads, including cameras or sensitive measurement instruments, from ground vibrations or aircraft jitter that would otherwise result in image blur, measurement errors, or potential damage. They can be used for weapons stabilization, optical jitter isolation, isolation of industrial machinery, and isolation of sensitive measurement equipment.

Parameter Name	Parameter Value
Number of axes	6-axis
Features	laser, hexapod
Applications	industrial
Load (kg)	2 - 2