PI Expanded Bi-Phase Inertia Drive Capabilities
The company has introduced new motor architectures to enhance high-force precision positioning across several industrial applications.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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PI has expanded its Bi-Phase Inertia Drive (BIX) technology, introducing new motor architectures designed for high-force linear motion and rotary positioning. This development utilizes dual synchronized piezo actuators to improve motion control and acceleration.
Why it matters
The dual-actuator design reduces piezo hysteresis effects, allowing for more precise movement and increased acceleration at friction contact points. These improvements provide higher performance for technical systems requiring fine positioning.
The B-421 BIX miniature linear stages offer travel ranges of 13 mm to 33 mm and reach velocities up to 14 mm/s. The system utilizes four PICMA piezo stacks in a lever structure for 2D positioning applications.
The players
PI (Physik Instrumente)
PI is a manufacturer of precision motion control equipment and piezoelectric ceramic components.
The details
BIX technology functions by using two synchronized multilayer piezo actuators that expand and contract via mirrored sawtooth signals. These micrometer screw drives effectively convert microscopic piezo-driven motion into precise drive screw rotation for various industrial tasks.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: PI announced the expansion of its BIX technology capabilities.
The Tech Race
This development builds upon the established performance of PICMA piezo actuators to advance the limits of precision motion control. The integration of dual-stator designs marks a shift toward higher force capacity in miniature positioning systems, competing against traditional electromagnetic drives.
Engineers and developers can utilize these improved motion architectures to achieve higher precision in automated assembly or testing environments. The design improvements may reduce calibration requirements and improve system throughput for high-resolution positioning tasks.
The takeaway
The move toward dual-actuator inertia drives signifies a growing demand for higher acceleration and lower hysteresis in miniaturized hardware. Organizations can adopt these components to improve the reliability and precision of their own automated motion platforms.
Further reading
For broader technical context on precision systems, visit the Quantum Computing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AZoRobotics.
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