Universally tiltable Z axis drive arm

A tilting elevator is set forth. A rigid frame has a base, a structurally rigid structure extending upwardly from the base, and a flange attached to the structure top. The flange is generally parallel to the base. A movable elevatable structure is telescopically mounted to the rigid frame. The elevatable structure comprises upper and lower spaced apart generally parallel plates. At least three generally parallel rods extend between the plates and are connected to them by universal joints. A motor system is supported rigidly relative to the base. Each of the rods is movable relative to the plates independently of each other rod. A robotic arm having R-, theta - and Z-motion can be mounted to the elevator. A mechanism is preferably attached to the bottom plate of the elevatable structure for increasing the stability of the system. With the addition of a sensor and using microprocessor control, canted workpieces can be readily picked up.