precision positioning for Medical and Life Sciences
Positioning Solutions
The Medical Industry’s Most Trusted Precision Positioning Portfolio
From high-throughput laboratory automation and digital pathology to advanced microscopy and precision medical instrumentation, motion performance is critical to system success. Novanta’s portfolio of linear stages, piezo stages, and Z-focus solutions provides the accuracy, repeatability, and reliability required for today’s most demanding life science and medical applications.
More than just motion components, we partner with OEMs to solve complex positioning challenges through application expertise, custom engineering support, and integrated multi-axis solutions. Whether you’re developing a next-generation imaging platform, analytical instrument, or automated diagnostic system, our team helps accelerate development, reduce integration risk, and deliver the performance your application demands.
Explore Our Featured Technology
Precision Positioning Solutions
Linear Stages
High-precision linear stages available with linear motor, screw drive, ball bearing, and cross-roller bearing configurations for a wide range of speed, travel, and load requirements.
Piezo Stages
Sub-nanometer precision piezoelectric stages for applications requiring ultra-fine motion and rapid response. Available in 1-axis, 2-axis, 3-axis, and tip/tilt configurations with integrated piezo electronics and software.
Z-Focus Stages
Precision z-axis stages engineered for microscopy, offering nanometer-level resolution and fast, repeatable positioning for autofocus and automated depth scanning.
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Explore how precision stages can streamline your instrument design. Novanta has the right technology and engineering expertise for your application.
Explore Our Featured Applications
Advanced RFID Solutions for Life Sciences
Laboratory Automation
High-throughput linear stages and piezo actuators for IVD instruments, liquid handling systems, and sample management platforms demanding precise, repeatable motion with high duty cycle.
Microscopy
Precision linear and z-focus stages for automated slide scanning, super-resolution imaging, and confocal systems requiring repeatable, low-vibration motion and nanometer-scale focus control.
Semiconductor & Metrology
High-throughput linear stages and piezo actuators for IVD instruments, liquid handling systems, and sample management platforms demanding precise, repeatable motion with high duty cycle.
Analytical Technologies
Compact, low-profile stages for spectroscopy, flow cytometry, and analytical instrument platforms where tight form factors and high positioning accuracy are required in every scan cycle.
Latest Insights
FAQs
A linear stage is a precision motion device that provides controlled, accurate movement along a single linear axis. Linear stages are used in applications requiring repeatable positioning, scanning, and automation, and are available with a variety of drive mechanisms including linear motors, ball screws, and lead screws.
A piezo stage is a precision motion device that uses piezoelectric actuators to achieve extremely fine, rapid linear or rotary movements. Piezo stages are capable of sub-nanometer positioning resolution and are commonly used in microscopy, semiconductor inspection, and other applications where ultra-high precision is critical.
A z-focus stage is a dedicated vertical-axis positioning stage used primarily in microscopy and imaging systems to control focus depth. Z-focus stages provide fast, highly repeatable vertical motion with nanometer-level resolution, enabling autofocus and precise depth scanning in automated slide scanners and analytical instruments.
In microscopy, linear stages provide XY sample scanning motion for slide imaging, while z-focus stages control the objective’s vertical position for autofocus. Piezo stages are used for high-speed, nanometer-precise adjustments in super-resolution and confocal imaging systems. Together, these stage types enable automated, high-throughput, and high-resolution imaging workflows.
In laboratory automation and IVD instruments, linear stages handle sample transport, reagent delivery, and optical alignment. High-duty-cycle screw-driven and linear motor stages are well suited for these applications, providing accurate, repeatable positioning over long travel ranges and across millions of operating cycles.
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