Abstract
An apparatus includes a drive unit; and an arm assembly connected to the drive unit, where the arm assembly comprises a traversing platform having an end-effector configured to carry a payload located thereon; a linear actuation system configured to drive the traversing platform in a linear direction; and a magnetic support system comprising at least one guide attached to a frame of the arm assembly, a plurality of vertical actuators attached to the traversing platform, and a plurality of horizontal actuators attached to the traversing platform, the plurality of vertical actuators being configured, with the at least one guide, to move the traversing platform in a vertical direction relative to the linear direction, and the plurality of horizontal actuators being configured, with the at least one guide, to move the traversing platform in a horizontal direction relative to the linear direction.