Systems and methods utilize a rotating magnetic field to drive a magnetically actuated device where the source of the rotating magnetic field is not constrained to a particular orientation with respect to the device. In one embodiment a rotating permanent magnet is utilized to actuate a magnetically actuated device where the magnet is not constrained to any position relative to the magnetically actuated device, such as the radial or axial position. Accordingly, the rotating permanent magnet may be directed in a manner to avoid collisions or other obstacles in a workspace while still effectively driving the magnetically actuated device.
