Manufacturing and quality assurance processes in electronics production, mechanical engineering and the automotive industry increasingly require multi-axis positioning systems. At the same time, the requirements in terms of accuracy are also increasing. Depending on the model, parallel-kinematic hexapod robots can move and position tools, workpieces, and complex components with weights ranging from a few grams to several hundred kilograms or even several tons in any spatial orientation with high precision – regardless of the assembly orientation.
The PI hexapod controller with integrated EtherCAT® interface now makes it very easy for users to integrate hexapods into automation systems without it being necessary to perform challenging kinematic transformations. This article details how the integration works, how Work and Tool coordinate systems can be used, and how the range of motion of the hexapod is optimally used.