The Frontier Leaders · Robotics 100 · Physik Instrumente

Physik Instrumente

Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany · Robotics · Components / Actuation · physikinstrumente.com

Physik Instrumente builds precision motion systems, piezo platforms, and custom hybrid actuators that provide controlled positioning and movement for robotic and automation applications.

Robotics 100 · rank 20 · score 87 →Edition: November 2026

Positioning

Physik Instrumente (PI) SE & Co. KG of Karlsruhe is a 1970-founded specialist in nanopositioning stages, piezo actuators, hexapods and air-bearing systems; since 31 Mar 2026 it operates as HOERBIGER's independent Positioning Division while retaining its name, brand and 1,900-person global footprint across nine production sites. 2025 group sales were 321 million euros; it delivered 2,500 hybrid actuators worth 15.9 million euros to ESO's ELT (project close Oct 2025) and opened a 140,000 sq ft US factory in Shrewsbury, MA in Nov 2025. Distinguishing point is full vertical integration of own piezo ceramics (PI Ceramic), in-house sensors/controllers and space-qualified PICMA actuators with NASA Mars and LEO-satellite heritage.

Facts, with sources

  • PI introduced the H-811.I2HS compact 6-DOF hexapod with patented overload protection, up to 5 kg load and 20 mm/s velocity.Product launch · roboticstomorrow.com
  • Dr. Michael Albiez became CEO of Physik Instrumente, succeeding Markus Spanner, and joined the Hoerbiger Executive Board as head of the Positioning Division.Senior hire · physikinstrumente.com
  • Hoerbiger completed its acquisition of Physik Instrumente as of 31 March 2026; PI keeps its name and brand as an independent operating entity in the Hoerbiger Group.Ownership change · physikinstrumente.com
  • 100-500mRevenue band · physikinstrumente.com

14 facts on file. Members see all of them with the source link.

Scores, Robotics (of 10)

Deployment10
Production10
Commercials8
Progress6
Technology10
Positioning10
Firepower6
Leverage8

Traction: deployment, production, commercials, progress. Capability: technology, positioning, firepower, leverage.

Peers in Actuation

15SMC · 9027Nabtesco · 8643Harmonic Drive Systems · 83.595SPINEA · 78

The segment's suppliers, constraints and risers, for members.

Categories

RoboticsRobotics · Components / Actuation

Questions this page answers

What does Physik Instrumente do?

Physik Instrumente builds precision motion systems, piezo platforms, and custom hybrid actuators that provide controlled positioning and movement for robotic and automation applications. Physik Instrumente (PI) SE & Co. KG of Karlsruhe is a 1970-founded specialist in nanopositioning stages, piezo actuators, hexapods and air-bearing systems; since 31 Mar 2026 it operates as HOERBIGER's independent Positioning Division while retaining its name, brand and 1,900-person global footprint across nine production sites. 2025 group sales were 321 million euros; it delivered 2,500 hybrid act

Where does Physik Instrumente rank in robotics?

Physik Instrumente ranks 20 of 100 on the Robotics 100 (November 2026 edition) with a score of 87 out of 100, in Actuation (Components). Assessment by Frontier Tech Intelligence.

Who are Physik Instrumente's peers in Actuation?

SMC (rank 15), Nabtesco (rank 27), Harmonic Drive Systems (rank 43), SPINEA (rank 95).

Where is Physik Instrumente based and when was it founded?

Physik Instrumente is based in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

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