Pin-lifter test substrate

Various embodiments include apparatuses to provides an in-situ, non-intrusive verification of substrate pin-lifters while a substrate is in a substrate-processing location on a process tool. The disclosed subject matter can also verify any unexpected substrate movement prior to or while the substrate is being removed from the process tool. In an exemplary embodiment, a pin-lifter test substrate includes a number of motion sensors and at least one force sensor. The motion sensors including at least one type of sensor selected from sensor types including inclinometers and accelerometers. A memory device on the pin-lifter test substrate records data received from the motion sensors. Instead of or in addition to the memory device, a wireless communications device transmits data received from the motion sensors to a remote receiver. Other apparatuses and systems are disclosed.