Why Are Precision Motion Systems the Future of Semiconductor Manufacturing?

Precision motion systems dramatically improve industrial automation by achieving extraordinary accuracy and repeatability when performing programmed movements. Because the motions often occur within tight tolerances, users apply them to small, delicate products, like semiconductors. Many manufacturers have invested in these options by purchasing specialized robots that handle items or tackle specific production line steps. What possibilities exist for semiconductor fabrication, and why do the associated benefits matter?

Advancing Back-End Semiconductor Fabrication Through Collaboration

The decision-makers at some specialized industrial companies realize they can accomplish more by working together with other entities to expand and amplify the impacts of everyone involved. In one 2025 example, Kenmec Mechanical Engineering entered an agreement with Neura Robotics, a German humanoid robot startup. The parties hope to automate numerous back-end technologies associated with semiconductor fabrication, such as packaging and testing. 

Kenmec’s president sees room for improvement, recognizing that semiconductor facilities have already automated many front-end processes. The remaining duties pose numerous associated challenges, including the diversity and irregularity of the handled items. The participating parties bring expertise in mobile robots, warehouse vehicles and robotic arms featuring built-in voice and visual controls. 

Because the robot components have the precision necessary to identify and handle scattered objects or take items directly to assembly stations, representatives from both companies will try to replace manual labor to achieve greater operational efficiency. They also expect robust growth in semiconductor orders and revenue, making their technology arrive at an opportune time.

Expanding Tactile Possibilities with Piezoelectric Sensors

A piezoelectric motor generates small movements based on a material’s deformation due to an electric current. Although piezo motors feature varied designs to support different requirements, their repeatability potential makes them excellent candidates for precision motion systems. Industrial applications have included them for over four decades, with engineers and others appreciating their valuable capabilities. 

READ MORE: Automating Semiconductor Fabrication with Robotics & Wafer Handling Solutions

Resonant motors can move 1,000 millimeters per second, making them fast, yet precise. Stepping types cater to people who need precisely applied forces that conventional versions cannot achieve. These low-speed varieties operate in longitudinal and transverse directions and can transfer loads. Despite the well-known advantages, researchers continue to look for new, viable solutions. Some of those could eventually enhance semiconductor fabrication facilities. 

A South Korean team focused on applying piezoelectric principles to sensors while remaining aware of and tackling persistent challenges. Those obstacles include environmental limitations and material brittleness, restricting their applicability in some industrial settings. The group also examined triboelectric technologies, which produce electric charges when materials slide against each other. 

As the researchers explored ways to enhance innovations, they emphasized increasing the piezoelectric constant with interventions such as doping and 3D printing. Tailored assessments allowed the group to find options for tactile sensors across industries. Continued progress could open precision motion control possibilities, including allowing engineers to develop robots that mimic humans’ touch-related capabilities. The associated advantages appeal to professionals in the semiconductor industry who want machines to handle small, high-value items without dropping or breaking them.

Improving the Maintenance of Specialized Fabrication Machines

Semiconductor manufacturers that invest in automated equipment for their facilities may set goals associated with specific error-prone activities. Time-consuming duties are other excellent candidates because improvements allow users to achieve the same amount of work or more without hiring additional employees.

READ MORE: How a Precision Machine Shop Boosted CNC Productivity with CAM and Multi-Axis Machining

A wafer fabrication equipment and services supplier debuted a collaborative robot that can meet those challenges. It showcases the potential of precision motion systems by performing submicron movements with consistent repeatability. The vendor’s statistics indicate it achieves two times better accuracy in some tasks compared to manual efforts.

Although the machine works alongside fabrication employees, it tackles responsibilities impossible for humans to do alone. Because this system maintains crucial equipment, it boosts uptime and manufacturing yields. It can also tighten vacuum-sealed, high-precision bolts, relieving workers of a responsibility that has up to a 5% error rate when performed by hand.

This mobile unit works with numerous end-effector devices, acting as a second pair of hands for technicians. That flexibility makes it an attractive choice for semiconductor fabrication facilities of all types, especially if managers face ongoing staffing challenges. When given heavy workloads, employees are likelier to make mistakes or become careless.

The robot also does hazardous tasks that require humans to wear protective equipment. Decision-makers who recognize the versatility of precision motion control applications are more likely to implement them in daily operations. Managers can use data analysis platforms to identify production-related weaknesses and target them with advanced technologies.

Bringing Robotic Welding to Semiconductor Fabrication

The versatility of precision motion systems also creates circumstances where manufacturers can use new techniques on semiconductors. Robotic welding is a good example of a method that has gained traction in other production environments. Some forward-thinking parties are also exploring ways to broaden the potential.

READ MORE: Compact Multi-Axis Motion Control for Designing Machines 

A company specializing in manufacturing for the semiconductor and health care industries has released a pioneering platform that automates plastic welding, allowing producers to achieve higher outputs with fewer errors. The provider is reportedly the first entity in the semiconductor capital equipment space to offer a solution designed specifically for that application. This location-agnostic system also supports local manufacturing by facilitating makers to produce items closer to the customers who purchase them.

The brand’s data indicates this innovation halves error rates while enabling a 25% boost in production speeds. Employees can also work alongside these precise robotic welding systems, achieving measurable gains while having additional time to focus on value-added tasks.

The company’s automation director wanted to combine precision engineering with workforce readiness, ultimately preparing today’s semiconductor factory workers to improve results with advanced products and new skills. Because this offering has advanced sensors, it can adjust its path in real time, resulting in less waste and better productivity. It also deploys a continuous welding technique and automated cutoff function to reduce welding rod waste by more than 90%.

These specialized applications of precision motion systems demonstrate their compatibility with new and emerging fabrication methods. Decision-makers will realize it makes good business sense to purchase and integrate these technologies if the associated progress allows producing larger quantities of semiconductors while maintaining tight quality control.

Making Better Semiconductor Fabrication Possible

Compelling examples show that precision motion systems will continue to play a central role in the advanced fabrication techniques relied on by today’s semiconductor brands. People can also expect their continued relevance as chips become smaller and denser. Exact, repeatable movements become essential for working safely and productively with those critical components.