Positioning systems developer Physik Instrumente (PI) LP has acquired ACS Motion Control Ltd., an Israeli developer and manufacturer of high-end controllers and drives for multi-axis systems. The combination of PI’s expertise in the manufacture of precision mechanical systems and high performance EtherCAT-based controllers and multi-axis drivers from ACS will enable the delivery of complete customized solutions that can be conveniently integrated into a wide variety of automation applications. Customers will receive hardware, cabling, integrated motion control and metrology through a single point of contact. ACS is known for its advanced modular systems that can manage up to 64 fully synchronized axes, perfectly complementing PI’s standalone controllers to provide extended flexibility for more complex applications. PI is a market leader in precision nanopositioning technology, with an accompanying portfolio of micropositioning products. In recent years, the company’s technological approach extended its product range to include linear motors and air bearing technology, opening up new opportunities for growth. With the acquisition of ACS Motion Control, PI aims to build on those advances, offering sophisticated controller technology to synchronize the motion between individual axes – a critical action that must be coordinated with other processes in real time for optimal efficiency and productivity. PI designs and manufactures precision motion control equipment, piezo motors, air bearing stages and hexapod parallel-kinematics.