Flat folding multi-axis positioning systems and methods

A method of positioning a panel relative to a base surface, the method comprising:

• providing a flat-folding multi-axis positioning system comprising a base structure defining a perimeter, a motion platform defining a corresponding perimeter, and a plurality of motion devices arranged around the perimeters and connecting the base structure to the motion platform, wherein the plurality of motion devices are arranged such that when the motion platform is in a fully retracted position, a height of the system is substantially equal to a sum of thicknesses of the base structure and the motion platform;
• determining a desired orientation for the panel;
• calculating required lengths for each of the plurality of motion devices to achieve the desired orientation using inverse kinematics;
• and
• commanding the plurality of motion devices to extend or retract to the calculated required lengths to position the panel in the desired orientation.

A flat-folding multi-axis positioning system comprising:

• a base structure;
• a motion platform;
• a plurality of motion devices connecting the base structure to the motion platform, wherein the plurality of motion devices comprises at least two motion devices positioned on each side of a perimeter defined by the base structure and the motion platform, and wherein adjacent motion devices on each side are angled to oppose one another;
• and
• a control system configured to independently control extension and retraction of each of the plurality of motion devices to position the motion platform with at least two degrees of freedom,
• wherein the plurality of motion devices are arranged such that when the motion platform is in a fully retracted position, a height of the system is substantially equal to a sum of thicknesses of the base structure and the motion platform,
• wherein the system is configured such that when the motion platform is in a fully retracted position, a height of the system is substantially equal to a sum of thicknesses of the base structure and the motion platform.