PI Establishes Innovation Hub to Strengthen Collaboration with Technical Research Institutes

This new R&D initiative will be expanded to office/laboratory clusters in the US and Asia.

Physik Instrumente (PI), the global specialist for motion control, nanopositioning technology, and high precision automation, is solidifying its affiliation and working relationships with leading universities and research institutions. A first step was made by establishing a 5,300 sqft collaboration laboratory close to the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and other advanced technical research institutes in Karlsruhe, Germany. "The proximity to these leading institutes promises a strong impetus for our future topics and helps us consolidate and expand our technology leadership," states Markus Spanner, CEO of the PI Group.



PI's research clusters concentrate on future competence areas and will be expanded globally in the US and Asia. "Through our competencies in nanopositioning motion control, we have firmly established PI as development and system partner in the global chip industry, in photonics, and in laser materials processing," emphasizes PI's CEO.

While companies typically emphasize product and production-related R&D, the research clusters are dedicated to future and post-future topics. "We aim to continue to be leaders in our competency areas three, five, and more years from now. The innovation hubs are a crucial component along this journey," asserts Spanner.

Industries Served
Industrial Automation, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Automotive, Silicon Photonics, Quantum Computing, High Resolution Microscopy, Life Sciences

Featured Product

IP Seals for Robots

IP Seals for Robots

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies' IPRS (Ingress Protection Seals for Robots) provides reliable protection for robotic systems operating in harsh environments. Designed to prevent dust, moisture, chemicals, and wear from compromising performance, IPRS extends service life and reduces maintenance. The adaptive Z-shaped geometry ensures sealing integrity under continuous motion, making it ideal for high-speed automation and outdoor applications. Manufactured with high-performance elastomers such as Fluoroprene XP and EPDM, IPRS offers exceptional resistance to lubricants, cleaning agents, and extreme temperatures. This makes it the perfect solution for six-axis robots, SCARA robots, AMRs, AGVs, and cobots. With its low-friction design and durable materials, IPRS enhances energy efficiency and operational reliability in industrial and autonomous robotics. Learn more about our IPRS Seals