Stewart Platform

Stewart Platforms From Actuonix

We regularly see our products being used to build robust Stewart Platforms (also called motion hexapods or hexapod robots) for a variety of purposes. A few years ago we started looking into offering a Stewart Platform as either a standalone product or a DIY kit. While we have not yet decided how we are going to proceed with this, we have now built a few different functional Stewart Platforms and are evaluating our options for offering this as a product.

At this time, we have several examples using Actuonix P8-ST and S20 stepper actuators. While our current models use stepper actuators, it is possible that we will be able to offer a product or kit that will be compatible with our DC actuators including P16 models if there is enough interest.

Stewart Platform Applications

Stewart Platforms offer control over 6 degrees of freedom and are used in a wide variety of applications across many industries. Large hydraulic and electric examples are common in automotive and aerospace training and entertainment simulators as well as air to sea rescue applications. Smaller, precision platforms such as these have dozens of use cases including:

Engineering Research Applications
Medical Applications
Product Testing
Special Effects for Filmmakers
Photography
Animatronics Displays

Watch Now: Actuonix Stewart Platform

This video features one of our Actuonix Motion Devices Stewart Platform models in motion. This example uses six of our 100mm S20 stepper actuators. Each actuator is driven by a stepper motor driver, which are in turn all commanded from a central controller, which performs the mathematics needed to move each actuator and orient the platform properly. This example is controlled by a gamepad, but we are working to include a more generic USB/serial interface, through which commands can be sent by any computer or microcontroller to control the Stewart Platform. Documentation for this interface will be available at a later date when we’ve finished development.

Why Choose a Stewart Platform from Actuonix Motion Devices?

For more than 20 years, Actuonix has been making quality, affordable linear motion products. Our Stewart Platforms represent the next generation of motion-enabled products from Actuonix. Our team of engineers have developed our Stewart Platforms to perform to the highest standards, while maintaining high quality and longevity at a reasonable price.

Broad Range of Motion
High Quality Components
Variety of Configurations Possible
Everything Needed in One Package
Affordable Solution

Frequently Asked Questions about Stewart Platforms

Find answers to commonly asked questions about motion platforms, their functionality, applications, and more.

When will your Stewart Platforms be available to purchase?

Unfortunately, we do not have an answer to this question at this time. This is a complex product, and we are working to ensure that it will meet the highest standards for quality and reliability once released. Keep an eye on our YouTube channel for more updates.

Why is it called a Stewart Platform?

These devices are called by a number of different names including Stewart Platform, Motion Hexapod, Hexapod Robot and Gough–Stewart platform. For a more detailed explanation, check out this Wikipedia article.

Will the final product be assembled, or a kit?

We're unclear on that at this time. It can be either, or both, depending what is most interesting to our clients. If you have any feedback, or a potential use case for our Stewart Platforms, we'd love to hear from you. Feel free to email marketing actuonix dot com to discuss.

Will you offer a DC version of the platform, in addition to the stepper versions?

Ideally yes, though we haven’t settled on this yet. The platforms that we have built in-house all utilize our stepper actuators but we are certainly open to developing a DC version of the platform, depending on market demand.

How much load can the Stewart Platforms handle?

We will release a datasheet with all the relevant performance information once we’ve finished development and have evaluated their performance. We do expect the platform to be capable of handling at least the maximum force outlined in the datasheet for the actuator being used (~50N for P8-ST, ~13N for S20).

Your Linear Motion Experts

For 20 years Actuonix has offered reliable and economical linear motion solutions. We have continually expanded our product offerings to now include more than 250 linear actuator models. With the Actuonix Stewart Platform, we are doubling down on our commitment to offer high-quality, accessible motion control products. If you have comments or questions about our upcoming Stewart Platform we would like to hear from you! Reach out [email protected].