Shaketables

Shaketables are a class of movable tables engineered to produce controlled, repeatable shaking motions. They combine a rigid tabletop with an integrated actuation system and sensing features, allowing users to apply programmable vibration profiles to items placed on the surface. The term is used in design, research, and theatrical contexts to refer to furniture that can simulate motion.

Most shaketables use electromechanical actuators, such as linear actuators or eccentric rotors, mounted beneath the tabletop. A controller unit manages motor drive and feedback from sensors, enabling precise acceleration, frequency, and duration. Typical specifications include a frequency range of about 0.2 to 12 hertz, amplitudes from 1 to 50 millimeters, and load capacities from 20 to several hundred kilograms. Safety features often include soft-start, current limiters, an emergency stop, and anti-tip brackets.

Applications include biomechanics and ergonomics research, where vibration is used to study human responses; product testing and packaging development under simulated movement; and education or theater, where shaking effects are used to illustrate physical principles or mimic stage environments. Desktop versions are common for small experiments, while floor-standing models support larger payloads.

Shaketables are frequently controlled via software interfaces that allow scripted motion, waveform selection, and data logging through integrated sensors such as accelerometers or force sensors. Some models support remote operation via wired or wireless connections and can be integrated with data acquisition systems.

Although the concept is simple, achieving uniform motion across the surface and managing noise and vibration transmission can be technically challenging. As a result, manufacturers emphasize load distribution, isolation mounts, and modular construction to accommodate different tabletop sizes and use cases.