Printed High-Frequency Interconnects from Karlsruhe Pave the Way for Next-Generation Mobile Communications: This year’s PI Innovation Award 2025 at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) goes to a pioneering development for tomorrow’s mobile communications: Dr. Georg Gramlich, researcher at the KIT Institute for High Frequency Technology and Electronics, was honored for his work on printed high-frequency interconnects which are considered a key technology for developing future 6G networks. The Innovation Award of the Karlsruhe-based company Physik Instrumente (PI), the market and technology leader in high-precision positioning technology and piezo applications, is endowed with 2,500 euros and is being presented at the KIT for the first time this year.

In industrial environments where automation and shorter development cycles are the rule, motion systems must deliver high precision and be quickly deployable while offering scalable flexibility. Physik Instrumente (PI), a global leader in precision technology and piezo applications, addresses this demand with the X-417 integrated multi-axis system: a high-performance motion platform designed for advanced industrial applications. Based on a standardized and configurable architecture, the system is available in multiple expansion stages and comes fully preconfigured and tuned—from entry-level to high-end setups. PI supports fast deployment needs with short lead times across all three performance classes.

At the Faculty of Science of the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, the “PI Innovation Award”, endowed with €2,500, was presented for the second time by the high-tech company Physik Instrumente (PI), headquartered in Karlsruhe. The award was granted to Dr. Benedikt Michael Wagner for his outstanding doctoral thesis on the pharmacological treatment of certain types of bronchial (SCLC) and liver (HCC) cancer. As part of his research, Dr. Wagner analyzed 300 test compounds, one of which demonstrated significant efficacy in animal models.

At LASER World of PHOTONICS 2025, Physik Instrumente (PI), global leader in precision technology and piezo applications, presented an impressive portfolio of high-tech solutions and innovations. The showcased portfolio included not only new products such as an Industrial Hexapod for precise positioning in 24/7 operation, and a miniature linear stage for nanometer precision motion with self-locking mechanics, but also a PILine^® stage for microscopy applications with exceptional stability and minimal drift. Pioneering solutions, such as the MagLev platform with picometer resolution, impressed customers, as did the compact lever hexapod, which enables extremely fast motion and high dynamics. PI once again demonstrated its ability to push the boundaries of what is technically feasible by offering versatile solutions for precision positioning that help customers significantly reduce their production costs.

With the L-511 high-precision linear stage series, Physik Instrumente (PI) offers a solution for demanding positioning tasks. With repeatability down to 0.15 µm, high stability, and a wide range of configuration options, the L-511 with travel ranges from 52 to 155 mm is ideal for industrial and scientific applications that require maximum motion precision.

In precision-critical manufacturing processes, the reliable and repeatable positioning of components is crucial for production success. Increasing demands on clock rates and continuous loads with high cycle rates, as well as mechanical wear and a lack of reproducibility have a detrimental effect not only on process stability, but also on productivity and quality. To meet these requirements, Physik Instrumente (PI) has added the new Industrial Hexapod H-815 to its range. This parallel-kinematic precision system with six degrees of freedom was specially developed for use in automated 24/7 industrial processes.

Physik Instrumente (PI) is expanding its product portfolio with the new B‑421 BIX miniature linear stage, a high-precision positioning solution that offers exceptional accuracy in the smallest of spaces. This compact linear stage combines a space-saving design with high performance, opening new possibilities for applications in the semiconductor industry, as well as in microscopy, photonics, and optical beam steering.

The semiconductor, photonics, and microscopy industries require reliable and powerful solutions for precise positioning tasks with exact alignment in the nanometer range. PIHera XY piezo stages of Physik Instrumente (PI) combine subnanometer resolution with high stability and flexible travel ranges in the smallest spaces. Selected versions are available with short lead times, including the corresponding controllers.

For high-precision alignment in guided systems, the manipulation of optical systems in automation processes, or as a motorized alternative to micrometer screws, the linear actuators M-230, M-235, and L-220 from Physik Instrumente (PI) combine precision, power, and versatility. They are suitable not only for dynamic movements but also for positioning with submicrometer precision, and, thanks to short lead times, they are quickly available for a wide range of applications.