XR positioning stages are a new series of very stable linear motor stages with a wide footprint, crossed roller bearings, and large load capabilities. They have high resolution, high velocity, and high acceleration. The large footprint can be mounted on any flat surface. The large, low-profile stages have smooth motion, and are suitable for use as the base or “X” axis in stacked multi-stage applications. They can also be used for inspection, pick-and-place, robotics, part transfer, testing, semiconductor manufacturing, and cleanroom applications. The XR stages are supplied with an iron core, non-cogging linear motor with sinusoidal or trapezoidal commutation, or an ironless core three-phase brushless linear motor for higher acceleration. These high performance stages are low cost and have short lead times.