PI USA :: Precision Motion Control & Nanopositioning Systems

PI USA (Physik Instrumente L.P.) is the North American subsidiary of Physik Instrumente (PI), a globally renowned German manufacturer of precision motion control and nanopositioning systems. With over 50 years of experience, PI is a privately held company specializing in ultra-high-precision positioning technologies, piezo systems, air-bearing stages, and advanced automation solutions. The company employs over 1,900 people worldwide and operates manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia. PI USA maintains its headquarters in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, with additional offices in California.

PI does not produce complete industrial robots but is a leading supplier of high-precision motion subsystems and components widely used in robotics, automation, and photonics applications. Their products enable the sub-nanometer accuracy, high dynamics, and multi-axis coordination required in advanced robotic systems.

Key robot-based and precision motion products include:

• Hexapod 6-Axis Positioners (Parallel Kinematics): PI’s signature hexapods (Stewart platforms) provide six degrees of freedom (XYZ + pitch, roll, yaw) with exceptional stiffness, compact design, and high load capacity. They are used in robotic alignment, simulation, photonics assembly, and medical robotics. Recent developments include ROS (Robot Operating System) drivers for easier integration.
• Air Bearing Stages and Gantries: Frictionless, high-precision linear and planar stages ideal for high-speed, high-accuracy robotic movement in semiconductor, laser processing, and inspection applications.
• Piezo Nanopositioning Stages: Ultra-fast, sub-nanometer resolution flexure-guided stages and actuators for fine positioning in robotic end-effectors, microscopy, and optics alignment.
• Linear Motor Stages and Cartesian Gantries: High-speed, long-travel systems for pick-and-place, laser machining, and automated assembly robotics.
• Piezo Motors and Miniature Positioners: Self-locking ultrasonic and PiezoWalk motors for compact, vacuum-compatible, or non-magnetic robotic joints and mechanisms.

PI’s solutions serve demanding markets such as semiconductor manufacturing, photonics automation, life sciences, astronomy, and quantum technology. Their engineering expertise supports custom engineered systems and integration with industrial controllers.