{"id":28651,"date":"2020-05-15T17:12:21","date_gmt":"2020-05-15T15:12:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/symetrie.fr\/hexapods\/history-of-the-hexapod\/"},"modified":"2026-07-06T10:12:50","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T08:12:50","slug":"what-is-a-hexapod","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/symetrie.fr\/en\/hexapods-en\/general\/what-is-a-hexapod\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a hexapod?"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”50px” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”bottom” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#F2F5FB” bg_image=”36298″ bg_image_type=”default” bg_position=”center center” background_image_loading=”default” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”50″ bottom_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”center” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” class=”produit-titre” color_overlay=”#0033A080″ overlay_strength=”1″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default” content_layout=”default”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” css=”” text_direction=”ltr”]\n

Hexapod<\/strong><\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” css=”” text_direction=”ltr”]\n

What is a hexapod?<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” enable_animation=”true” animation=”none” animation_easing=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” content_layout=”default” gradient_type=”default” animation_offset=”-80″][image_with_animation image_url=”34758″ image_size=”custom” max_width=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”right” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” custom_image_size=”320×239″ max_width_custom=”320×239″ max_width_custom_tablet=”320×239″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

DEFINITION<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”10″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]The hexapod is a high-precision mechatronic system with a parallel structure that enables the positioning and movement of objects in space according to the six degrees of freedom (translation in the X, Y, and Z axes, and rotation about the Rx, Ry, and Rz axes). This hexapod platform, also known as a Stewart platform or parallel robot, offers exceptional rigidity and nanometer-level precision thanks to its design featuring six actuator cylinders. Hexapod systems are used in demanding industrial and scientific applications such as optical alignment, motion simulation, astronomy, and precision metrology.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

BRIEF HISTORY<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”10″][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”left” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” content_layout=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”25543″ image_size=”full” max_width=”75%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” animation_easing=”default” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3\/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

In the 1800s, Augustin Louis Cauchy, a pioneer in mathematical analysis, studied the stiffness of an \u201carticulated octahedron,\u201d considered the theoretical precursor of the modern hexapod.<\/p>\n

In 1949, V. Eric Gough, an engineer at Dunlop in England, built the first practical parallel mechanism for testing tires under different loads. In 1965, D. Stewart used a variation of this system for flight simulators.<\/p>\n

The robot was subsequently renamed the \u201cStewart platform<\/a>,\u201d although the term \u201cGough-Stewart platform\u201d is historically more accurate. Over the decades, the hexapod has been refined by numerous engineers and researchers (Klaus Cappel, H. McCallion, etc.), evolving into the high-precision systems we know today.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

HEXAPOD VS ROBOTIC ARM<\/strong><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”10″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n
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Although these two positioning solutions are often compared in industrial fields, they have many differences and address specific needs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”center” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” centered_text=”true” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” content_layout=”default” gradient_type=”default”]\n

\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n
\n Crit\u00e8re <\/td>\n \n Hexapode <\/td>\n \n Robot s\u00e9riel <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
\n Degr\u00e9s de libert\u00e9 <\/td>\n \n 6 DDL simultan\u00e9s (Tx, Ty, Tz, Rx, Ry, Rz) <\/td>\n \n Axes empil\u00e9s ind\u00e9pendants <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
\n Rigidit\u00e9 <\/td>\n \n Tr\u00e8s \u00e9lev\u00e9e (structure ferm\u00e9e) <\/td>\n \n Plus faible (axes superpos\u00e9s) <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
\n Encombrement <\/td>\n \n Compact et int\u00e9gr\u00e9 (axes superpos\u00e9s) <\/td>\n \n Plus volumineux (axes empil\u00e9s) <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
\n Pr\u00e9cision <\/td>\n \n Excellente r\u00e9p\u00e9tabilit\u00e9 <\/td>\n \n Cumul d'erreurs des axes <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
\n Cin\u00e9matique <\/td>\n \n Parall\u00e8le <\/td>\n \n S\u00e9rielle <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <\/table>\n<\/div>