Stewart Platform

A Stewart platform is a 6-DOF parallel mechanism used in motion simulators. Six actuators connect a fixed base to a moving platform, allowing independent control of pitch, roll, yaw, surge, sway, and heave.

This calculator lets you configure the geometry and actuator stroke of your platform, then shows the resulting range of motion and lets you preview any pose in 3D.

1. Parameters — Set base and platform diameter. The alpha angles control how tightly the joint pairs are grouped; smaller alpha spreads the pairs further apart. The Center of Rotation offsets the pivot point relative to the platform center.
2. Actuator Range — Enter your actuator’s minimum and maximum extension. The platform height is automatically set to the mid-stroke position for maximum symmetric travel.
3. Constraints — Shows the computed pitch/roll/yaw and surge/sway/heave limits for the current geometry. These update live as you change parameters.
4. Movement — Use the rotation and translation sliders to preview any pose. Sliders are clamped to the computed limits so you can’t exceed what the actuators allow.