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Designed, built and tested by CSCMotion
Custom Stewart Motion Platform
We design and manufacture servo-electric parallel platforms for dynamic testing, precision positioning and OEM equipment. Tell us what the platform must carry, where it must move and how it must connect to your system; our engineers will configure the geometry, actuators, controls and acceptance plan
Our reference range covers 100 to 30,000 kg payload classes, with custom configurations available. We confirm the final load rating and motion envelope from your complete moving assembly, center of gravity, inertia, trajectory and duty cycle.
6-axis parallel kinematics
Custom geometry
Servo-electric
Controller & API
Terminology that affects product selection
Stewart Platform, Hexapod and 6DOF: What Changes?
These terms describe different parts of the same decision. “Stewart platform” refers to the parallel mechanism, “hexapod” to a six-leg platform family, and “6DOF” to the three translations and three rotations the system can control.
When we review your project, we confirm the actual joint pattern, platform geometry, actuator technology and operating objective instead of selecting from terminology alone.
Terminology relationship graphic brief.
Stewart Platform
Motion Hexapod
6DOF
Dynamic Motion, Precision Positioning or Custom OEM?
Start with the result you need. We configure the same six-leg principle differently for dynamic trajectories, precision pose control and application-specific OEM integration.
Dynamic motion
Motion Reproduction & Testing
For trajectory playback, industrial testing and research where usable workspace, speed, acceleration and duty cycle drive the design.
Design focus
Workspace, dynamics and moving load
Key inputs
CG, inertia, trajectory and duty cycle
Product route
6DOF reference series or custom
Compare dynamic 6DOF platforms →
Precision positioning
Controlled Pose & Alignment
For positioning, alignment and calibration where stability, repeatability, resolution and a defined measurement method matter more than large travel.
References
ACE6-ST24-150 · 150 kg class
Design focus
Pose control and measurement evidence
Publish gate
Verified current datasheet required
Review the precision reference →
Custom OEM geometry
Application-Specific Hexapod
For special top plates, low installed height, unusual orientation, custom pivot points, environmental constraints or a project-specific controller interface.
Design focus
Geometry, load path and integration
Key inputs
Drawings, site and host system
Output
Feasibility, scope and acceptance plan
Discuss a custom geometry →
Choose the Right Engineering Path
Use the matrix to identify the closest starting point. We confirm the final route after reviewing geometry, load and operating conditions.
| Engineering path | Primary objective | Design priority | Most important inputs | Recommended next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic motion | Reproduce trajectories and disturbances | Usable workspace, speed, acceleration and duty cycle | Moving load, CG, inertia and trajectory | Compare 6DOF references → |
| Precision positioning | Control pose, alignment or calibration | Repeatability, resolution, stability and settling | Load, orientation, pivot and measurement method | Review the precision route → |
| Custom OEM | Integrate a project-specific parallel mechanism | Geometry, mounting, environment and host interface | Payload drawings, site constraints and control scope | Start feasibility review → |
How a Stewart Platform Works
Our controller converts each commanded platform pose into six actuator targets. The legs extend and retract together through closed-loop servo control so the moving platform follows the approved translation and orientation.
01 Commanded pose
Your host requests X, Y, Z, roll, pitch and yaw in the agreed coordinate system.
02 Inverse kinematics
Our kinematic model calculates the required length of each actuator leg for that pose.
03 Coordinated drives
Six servo loops move together while respecting velocity, acceleration and software limits.
04 Parallel load paths
The moving assembly is connected to the base through multiple simultaneous structural paths.
05 Feedback & state
Actuator feedback, homing, status and alarms support controlled platform operation.
06 Workspace protection
Stroke, joint, collision and project-specific load limits constrain allowable commands.
How We Engineer the Parallel Load Path
A Stewart platform connects the moving top directly to the base through six coordinated branches. We engineer the geometry, joints, actuators, feedback and control together to create the required stiffness, workspace and motion.
The axes are coupled, so changing one axis affects the remaining workspace and actuator loading. We calculate these relationships for the approved trajectory rather than treating each axis independently.
| Factor | Parallel Stewart / hexapod | Stacked serial stages |
|---|---|---|
| Axis arrangement | Six branches act together | Axes are stacked in sequence |
| Load path | Multiple direct paths to the base | Upper stages load lower stages |
| Workspace | Coupled and geometry-limited | Primarily defined by individual stages |
| Control | Kinematics converts pose to leg targets | Each stage maps more directly to one axis |
Workspace is calculated from geometry and load
Workspace, Payload and Actuator Geometry
We do not select a Stewart platform from actuator stroke or payload mass alone. Base geometry, moving-platform geometry, joint positions, neutral height, leg lengths and joint limits all shape the reachable workspace.
We confirm the usable workspace against the complete moving assembly, CG, inertia, collisions, cable routing, dynamics, duty cycle and selected pivot point.
Base and top-platform geometry
Neutral height and actuator stroke
Joint locations and angle limits
Moving mass, CG and inertia
Pivot point and coordinate frame
Single-axis vs combined motion
Collision and cable clearance
Installation orientation
Geometry and usable-workspace brief.
What We Confirm in Your Project Datasheet
We issue configuration-specific data. Each performance value is tied to the approved geometry, load, coordinate system, measurement method and simultaneous-motion condition.
| Specification | Customer input | Engineering output | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering objective | Dynamic motion, positioning or OEM function | Recommended product path | Sets actuator, sensor and verification priorities |
| Moving assembly | Payload, fixture, top frame and accessories | Rated payload and gross moving-load condition | Static payload alone does not size the system |
| CG & inertia | Coordinates and mass distribution | Approved load envelope | Changes leg forces, dynamics and workspace |
| Geometry | Top/base size, mounting, height and orientation | Outline, joint layout and service envelope | Geometry creates the usable workspace |
| Six-axis motion | Required workspace, pivot and trajectory | Single-axis and combined workspace | Axis maximums are interdependent |
| Dynamic performance | Speed, acceleration, frequency and duty | Achievable values under approved load | Peak and continuous operation are different |
| Positioning performance | Resolution, repeatability, stability and settling | Verified values and measurement plan | Performance claims require a test method |
| Electrical & control | Power, host commands, I/O and environment | Actuator, cabinet and interface definition | Prevents late integration risk |
| Safety & FAT | Risk boundaries and acceptance objectives | Limits, interlocks, test plan and documents | Makes acceptance measurable |
Coordinates, kinematics and protected motion
Kinematics, Coordinate Systems and Pivot Point
We configure the controller with the actual platform geometry, coordinate frame, rotation order and pivot point before it converts requested poses into actuator commands.
01 / Host
Requested Pose
X, Y, Z, roll, pitch and yaw or a project-specific trajectory.
02 / Frame
Coordinates & Pivot
Units, signs, rotation order and center of rotation.
03 / Kinematics
Leg-Length Targets
Inverse kinematics maps platform pose to six actuator positions.
04 / Control
Drives & Feedback
Coordinated servo loops execute motion and report state.
05 / Limits
Protected Workspace
Stroke, joint, collision, velocity and project-specific load limits.
Electric actuation / controller / host integration
Electric Actuation, Controller and API
We configure the actuators, drives, feedback, controller and electrical system around the required dynamic or positioning objective. We define the host interface as part of the platform before manufacturing.
The interface document defines commands, units, update behavior, trajectory source, I/O, homing, limits, E-stop, alarms, status and software responsibilities.
Servo-electric linear actuation
Coordinated six-axis controller
Actuator position feedback
Trajectory and pose commands
Project-specific API or fieldbus
Homing, limits and fault state
Safety and interlock interface
Payload-condition tuning
Stewart Platform Applications
We select and configure the platform around the task: dynamic motion reproduction, controlled positioning, equipment alignment or OEM integration.
Dynamic industrial testing
Reproduce Multi-Axis Motion for Testing
Mount your equipment on a controlled six-axis base to reproduce defined trajectories under laboratory conditions.
Explore industrial testing →
Research & laboratories
Build a Configurable Six-Axis Research Rig
Configure the platform for robotics, control development, sensor evaluation and repeatable pose or trajectory work.
Explore research platforms →
Positioning & alignment
Position Equipment Around a Defined Pivot
Use controlled six-axis pose for alignment and positioning where coordinates and measurement evidence matter more than large travel.
Review the precision reference →
OEM & professional integration
Integrate Motion into Your Equipment
We coordinate platform geometry, mounting, kinematics, controller and host interface with your equipment design team.
Explore custom OEM systems →
Stewart Platform Project Videos & Photos
Our project media shows how we manufacture, test and integrate dynamic, precision and custom OEM Stewart platforms. We publish customer names and performance data only when they have been approved for release.
Six-Axis Factory Acceptance Test
A complete FAT sequence shows coordinated motion, the approved test load and the safety conditions used during verification.
Explore industrial testing →
Platform Assembly & Inspection
Explore research platforms →
Compact & Mid-Payload Platform
High-Payload Configuration
Structure & Mounting Interfaces
Actuation & Feedback
Controller & Electrical System
Loaded FAT Evidence
Precision Stewart reference · engineering verification required
Precision Stewart Platform
Our 150 kg-class reference provides a starting point for controlled six-axis pose, alignment and research applications.
We confirm dimensions, motion range, positioning error, repeatability, resolution, settling, power and interface in the current project datasheet. Historical public values are not used as guaranteed current performance.
150 kg reference payload class
Six-axis parallel architecture
Precision positioning objective
Custom fixture and pivot review
Measurement method required
Current availability confirmation
Electric three-axis architecture brief.
Reference Platform or Custom Geometry?
A reference platform is the fastest route when its geometry and objective match the requirement. We develop a custom mechanism when the top frame, installation, workspace, pivot, environment or interface changes the geometry.
Configure an Existing Platform Family
We start from the dynamic 6DOF family or precision Stewart reference, then confirm load, workspace and project options.
- Known architecture and product history
- Project-specific load and workspace confirmation
- Mounting, controller and interface options
- Verified datasheet required before quotation
Review dynamic 6DOF references →
Engineer a Custom Stewart Platform
We develop custom geometry for special platform shapes, openings, low height, unusual installation or project-specific performance.
- Custom top/base and joint layout
- Actuator stroke, orientation and service access
- Application-specific workspace and pivot point
- Custom controller, API and acceptance plan
Discuss a custom platform →
What We Supply—and What Your Team Supplies
We define the supply boundary in the proposal so your mechanical, electrical and software teams know exactly what we provide and what remains with the integrator.
Your team or integrator scope
- Payload, fixture, tool, cabin or upper equipment
- Host application, trajectory source or simulation model
- Foundation, utilities and site readiness
- System-level risk assessment and guarding
- Complete cockpit, visual, audio and training content
- Overall system certification unless separately contracted
Our platform-side scope
- Mechanical Stewart / hexapod platform
- Selected actuators, joints and feedback components
- Platform controller and electrical system as quoted
- Kinematics, workspace limits and platform status
- Top/base outline and mounting drawings
- Agreed host communication support
- Manuals, test records and FAT deliverables in the proposal
How we deliver a custom Stewart platform
From Your Requirements to an Accepted Platform
We convert your requirements into platform geometry, defined subsystem scope, interface responsibilities and acceptance checks. The project schedule is confirmed after feasibility review.
Step 01
Requirements
We review the application, moving mass, CG, workspace, dynamics, duty cycle and site.
Step 02
Geometry & Workspace
We calculate the joint layout, actuator capacity, pivot, collisions, load condition and feasible workspace.
Step 03
Engineering
We complete the mechanical, electrical, kinematic, control, software, safety and documentation design.
Step 04
Build, Calibration & FAT
We manufacture, assemble, calibrate and commission the platform, then complete the agreed FAT.
Step 05
Delivery Support
We provide shipment documents, installation guidance and the agreed integration support.
Stewart platform price
What We Need to Prepare an Accurate Quote
Price depends on the operating objective, moving assembly, geometry, workspace, performance, controls and verification scope. Dynamic motion, precision positioning and custom OEM systems use the same parallel principle but require different actuators, sensors and validation.
We prepare the quotation from your approved requirements and clearly separate included equipment, optional items and customer-supplied scope.
Motion, positioning or OEM objective
Moving load, CG and inertia
Geometry, workspace and pivot
Actuators, joints and feedback
Controller, safety and interface
Calibration, FAT and delivery
Quotation-factor graphic brief.
Answers from our engineering team
Stewart Platform FAQ
What is a Stewart platform?
A Stewart platform is a parallel mechanism with six variable-length actuator legs between a fixed base and moving platform. Our controller coordinates the legs to produce three translations and three rotations within the approved workspace.
Is a Stewart platform the same as a hexapod?
The terms are often used interchangeably for six-leg parallel platforms. Stewart or Gough-Stewart usually refers to a paired-joint geometry, while “hexapod” can include related six-leg arrangements. We confirm the actual geometry in the project documents.
Is a Stewart platform the same as a 6DOF motion platform?
No. “6DOF” describes the six controlled motions, while “Stewart platform” describes the parallel mechanism commonly used to produce them. See our 6DOF product series for payload-based dynamic references.
How does a Stewart platform work?
Our controller converts each commanded platform pose into six actuator-length targets through inverse kinematics. The servo drives and feedback system move the legs together while software limits protect the approved workspace.
What determines Stewart platform workspace?
Workspace depends on base and top-platform geometry, neutral height, joint locations and limits, actuator lengths, collisions, payload condition, pivot point and simultaneous axis combinations. We calculate it for the approved configuration.
How do payload, center of gravity and inertia affect the design?
They change actuator force, joint loading, structural demand, dynamics and usable workspace. We select the platform from the complete moving assembly rather than payload mass alone.
What determines Stewart platform price?
The main cost drivers are the operating objective, moving assembly, geometry, workspace, actuator technology, dynamic or positioning requirements, controller, safety, interface, calibration, FAT and delivery scope.
Can CSCMotion share project photos and motion-test videos?
Yes, when customer confidentiality and media permissions allow. We publish approved assembly, factory-test, positioning, finished-system and installation media, and we limit project names and specifications to cleared information. See our project media section.
Talk directly with our engineering team
Send Your Stewart Platform Requirements
You do not need to complete the specification before contacting us. Send the application objective, moving assembly and required motion or positioning result; our engineers will identify missing inputs and recommend the next step.
What must move and which axes are required
Moving mass, dimensions, CG and inertia
Required travel, angles and dynamics
Mounting, installation, power and environment
Host interface, FAT expectations and schedule