Our aim is to facilitate new discoveries
Sensapex has had the privilege to provide products to more than 800 labs worldwide. We are excited and amazed by the work done by our customers. Please see References and visit Sensapex Science to learn more.
Key features
- Easy to use – Plug & Play installation and intuitive user interface
- Superior stability – ZERO DRIFT piezo-technology provides market leading stability
- Highest accuracy – only closed-loop controlled micromanipulator in the market
- Ultra compact – perfect fit to space constrained applications
- No electrical interference – battery operated
- High resolution over full range – 5 nm resolution with 20 mm rang
- Unlimited scalability – up to 65536 manipulators per system
- Smallest control latency – Ethernet PC connection with open-source SDK
Unique and patented technology
uMp micromanipulators are based on unique ZERO DRIFT piezo-technology, where position is maintained by a strong friction force and motors are driven only during the positioning. Based on the laws of physics, the linear position stays exactly the same with zero drift during static external loading conditions and constant temperature.
Each axis has integrated linear position sensing with 5 nm resolution, which is used to measure the position in real time for closed-loop control. All motion control is integrated within the micromanipulator itself, each having own “brains” (=processor, memory and real-time operating system).
Our advanced technologies provide significant stability and accuracy benefits over traditional stepper motor alternatives, as well as make them future proof for automated microelectrode- and pipette techniques.
uMp products overview
- uMp-TSC touch screen unit provides intuitive stand-alone user interface that is used together with uMp-RW3/4 wheel controllers. In addition to basic operation with manipulator selection and speed setting, many unique features are offered like customizable wheel-to-axis and movement direction definitions, absolute vs. relative coordinate views, 1-click re-configurable memory positions, virtual axis use and automated pipette cleaning for immediate re-use.
- uMp micromanipulators are avalaible as three axis uMp-3 version that has optional 4th virtual axis and as uMp-4 version with four physical axes. uMp-3 is commonly used for in vitro work, whereas uMp-4 is often selected for in vivo experiments, where closer to vertical approach angle and larger positioning range requirement make 4th physical axis essential
- Standard accessories include uMp-HUB, which can be used for PC control only applications and/or when more than 2 micromanipulators are included in the system. Each uMp-HUB can connect four further uMp micromanipulators and include extra Li-ion battery back to help powering the extra manipulators. There is no limit how many uMp-HUBs and uMp micromanipulators can be connected to one system, which provides unlimited scalability.
- Further standard accessories include stands with convenient mechanisms to aid pipette exchange, as well as versatile selection of adapters for attaching amplified head-stages and rod like items.
Sensapex has been working with Neuropixel probe users since the very beginning and we have full selection of Neuropixel probe holders available at our webstore (both for 1.0 and 2.0 versions).
Configuration examples
Classic single micromanipulator system for patch-clamp
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- uMp-TSC touch screen controller
- uMp-RW3 rotary wheel unit
- uMp-3 micromanipulator
- uMp-DVT headstage adapter
- uM-GND-1 grounding cables
See price in webstore
Single micromanipulator system for in vivo electrophysiology and/or optogenetics
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- uMp-TSC touch screen controller
- uMp-RW4 rotary wheel unit
- uMp-4 micromanipulator
- uMp-RHL rod-holder adapter
- uM-GND-1 grounding cables
See price in webstore
Dual micromanipulator system for patch-clamp
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- uMp-TSC touch screen controller
- uMp-RW3 rotary wheel unit
- uMp-3 micromanipulators, 2 pc
- uMp-DVT headstage adapters, 2 pc
- uMp-ROT rotation stand modules, 2 pc
- uM-GND-1 grounding cables, 2 sets
See price in webstore
Dual micromanipulator system for Neuropixel recordings
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- uMp-TSC touch screen controller
- uMp-RW4 wheel control unit
- uMp-4 micromanipulators, 2 pc
- uMp-ROT rotation stand modules, 2 pc
- uMp-RHL rod holder adapter, 2 pc
- uMp-NPH Neuropixel adapter heads, 2 pc
- uMp-NPR-200 rod for Neuropixel adapter heads, total length with adapter head 200 mm, 2 pc
- uM-GND-1 grounding cables, 2 sets
See price in webstore
Sensapex products are proprietary and patented (US 9,138,892, US 9,662,783, EP 2 776 215, US 10,427,292; EP 09851052.2, EP15906190.2, US 15/765,608, EP: 15906189.4). Automated patch clamp (US 9,498,293 and US 9,668,804) and pipette cleaning (US 15/232,770 and EP 16836035.2) products are manufactured under licenses from GTRC and MIT, U.S.A.
uMp-TSC Touch Screen Controller
Connectors for micromanipulators | 2 pc |
Batteries | Li-ion (rechargeable), up to 1 week usage time |
AC charger | 90-264 V, 50-60 Hz |
Dimensions | 127 x 126 x 99 mm |
See price in webstore

uMp-RW3 Rotary Wheel Remote Interface
Connection to uMp-TSC touch screen controller | USB-cable, included |
Dimensions | 169 x 168 x 54 mm |
See price in webstore

uMp-RW4 Rotary Wheel Remote Interface
Connection to uMp-TSC touch screen controller | USB-cable, included |
Dimensions | 169 x 168 x 54 mm |
See price in webstore

uMp-HUB 1 to 4 Hub with extra battery
Connectors for micromanipulators | 4 pc |
Batteries | Li-ion (rechargeable), up to 1 week usage time |
AC Charger | 90-264 V, 50-60 Hz |
Dimensions | 95x95x52 mm |
See price in webstore

uMp-3 Triple axis micromanipulator
Positioning range | 20 x 20 x 20 mm3 (XYZ) |
Resolution / repeatibility: | 5 nm / 100 nm |
Max. speed | 5 mm/s |
Load | 0–150 g |
True approach angle | 0–45 degrees |
4th axis: | virtual (optional) |
Table mounting: | Bolt |
Electrode exchange**: | Side rotate | flip + slide |
Dimensions: | 128 x 49 x 77 mm |
See price in webstore

uMp-4 Four axis micromanipulator
Positioning range | 20 x 20 x 20 x 20 mm3 (XYZD) |
Resolution / repeatibility: | 5 nm / 100 nm |
Max. speed | 5 mm/s |
Load | 0–150 g |
True approach angle | 0– 90 degrees |
4th axis: | Physical |
Table mounting: | Bolt |
Electrode exchange**: | Side rotate | flip + slide |
Dimensions: | 136 x 49 x 104 mm |
See price in webstore

Extracellular population recordings and Neuropixel probes
Neuropixel setup with 8 uMp-4 manipulator system (Carandini-Harris lab, UCL; courtesy of Nick Steinmetz).
Whole-cell patch-clamp
10 channel multi-patch set-up with automated pipette cleaning (Geiger lab, Charite).