SURES | Astronomy Hexapod

High Accuracy Positioning Hexapod for Astronomy 

The SURES Hexapod is a highly accurate and robust positioning system designed to adjust and set up objects weighing up to 500 kg with exceptional resolution and minimal cross-coupling (parasitic motions). This high-precision hexapod is specifically tailored for applications in space observation, astronomy, and telescopes.

The SURES Hexapod excels in aligning M2 and M3 mirrors on ground-based telescopes. It effectively compensates for structural deformations caused by gravity changes and temperature variations throughout the night, ensuring accurate realignment. This capability makes the SURES Hexapod an invaluable tool for maintaining optimal performance in astronomical observations.

Engineered to withstand harsh conditions, the mechanics and electronic components of the SURES Hexapod are designed to operate in cold environments. This makes it ideal for installation on high-altitude mountain tops, where most ground-based telescopes are located. The SURES Hexapod’s robust design ensures reliable performance in these challenging settings, providing consistent and precise positioning.

OPTIONS

• Outdoor
• Customizable size

A high performance control control center

Controlling a parallel kinematics mechanism like a hexapod demands rapid and extensive calculations to convert position instructions into motor current set points while ensuring continuous motion security.

To meet this need, every SURES hexapod is equipped with a high-performance control rack. This rack integrates seamlessly with our Graphical User Interface (GUI) or, optionally, with your software environment via an Application Programming Interface (API).

A complete and flexible solution

Our control racks are designed with:

• A powerful multi-axis Delta Tau industrial controller
• Drivers tailored to the specific requirements of each application
• Input-output modules that facilitate various interactions with the hexapod environment

Our robust and adaptable controller solutions support different types of motors (DC, brushless, stepper) and are compatible with various encoder technologies (absolute, incremental, linear, rotary). Additionally, our controllers can be paired with an optional hand-held control unit.

Choosing the right hexapod for you

Symetrie offers HexaSym, a free software tool that simplifies the process of evaluating travel ranges and load capacities for each hexapod in their range. HexaSym helps you identify the most suitable hexapod for your application and allows you to experiment with different configurations.

Click HERE to download HexaSym

Want to learn more about Hexapods? Visit our application page HERE. 

SYM_Positioning Hexapod Control Software

Experience seamless control and precision with SYM_Positioning, the advanced hexapod positioning and control software. Designed with an ergonomic Human Machine Interface (HMI), SYM_Positioning offers intuitive commands from the home screen, allowing for easy operation. The software also enables the generation of complex movement sequences using specific files, and it provides the flexibility to change the center of rotation effortlessly.

SYM_Positioning provides comprehensive control features, including:

• Safe movement control to ensure operational security.
• Real-time position display for immediate feedback and monitoring.
• The ability to generate precise position sequences for complex tasks.
• Easy configuration of the center of rotation for tailored applications.
• Configuration of repositories to set up custom coordinate systems.
• Configuration of operational limits such as position and speed to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• An API (Application Programming Interface) for seamless integration with various programming environments.

SYM_Positioning can be interfaced with popular programming and control platforms, including C, LabVIEW, EPICS, SPEC, TANGO, Python, and Matlab, ensuring compatibility and flexibility across diverse applications.

Customization

With extensive knowledge and experience in software development, Symétrie offers the ability to tailor SYM_Positioning to your specific needs.

Hexasym Simulator

How to choose a hexapod

Thanks to their free simulation software, Symetrie makes it simple for you to check the possible travels and load capacities of each hexapod in their range. HexaSym allows you to test a variety of possible configurations in order to  select the most suitable product for your application.

Test several parameters 

With the HexaSym simulator, you can test cumulative travel ranges on several axes simultaneously, including the “worst cases” of your applications. You can also change the center of rotation, define different reference frames, and vary the orientation of the hexapod (vertical, horizontal, other) and the payload.

HexaSym also includes a 3D visualization that enables you to see how the hexapod moves according to the commanded positions, as well as sliders allowing you to more immediate movement control.

And for specific hexapods

HexaSym can also be used for specific hexapods, for which we will provide you with a configuration file compatible with the simulator.

Click here for more information and download the software

SYMETRIE_Datasheet SURES-hexapod for astronomy