Integrated two dimensional robotic palm for variable pitch positioning of multiple transfer devices

A handling device includes a base plate defining an X-Y plane, a plurality of X rails movably supported on the base plate and extending in an X-direction, a plurality of Y rails movably supported on the base plate and extending in a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction and a drive system supported on the base plate for moving the X rails in the Y-direction and for moving the Y rails in the X-direction, wherein a spacing between the X rails varies as the X rails move, and wherein a spacing between the Y rails varies as the Y rails move, and wherein the spacing between the X-rails is continuously variable with respect to the spacing between the Y rails.