There are two types of kinematics, which can be used to build multi-axis systems. The first one is a serial kinematics where one axis sits on the top of another axis, and each axis is driven independently of the others. The parallel kinematics system is the second type in which multiple axes work together forming a type of closed-loop kinematics chain. In an interconnected movement all the axis together move a platform or end effector. As an example of serial kinematics Cartesian robots are well suited. And Delta robots are good example of using of parallel kinematics.

Hexapod robot is a mechanism, which uses parallel kinematics for performing actions. Hexapod robot has six degrees of freedom: linear moving along axis X, Y, Z and rotating around this axis – roll, pitch and yaw. Construction of hexapod consist of six actuators which connects two platforms. One of platforms is stationary and second is moving. Hexapod robots actuators which are variable length levers, may be pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, kinematic pair of bolt and nut, worm gear.

The widest application of hexapods is in testing and flight-simulator equipment. Also hexapods are used in photonics, machine tool positioning and in inspection systems.

Advantages of hexapod robots among others are ability to determine the center of rotation, or pivot point for all six axes of motion. Hexapod robots also have higher load-carrying capability and constructional stiffness than serial kinematics robots for that reason that all actuators working together to support the load. That fact that all main components, such as motors and gearboxes, mounted stationary makes hexapod robots having lower inertia than serial.

The advantage of hexapod robots is small resultant tolerance because it is not a sum of tolerances of each separate actuator. In our case, resultant tolerance is a projection of sum of tolerances of each actuator on each axis of linear movement. This allow them to be used there where large payloads are or high precision needed.