Robotics
Torque density
ActivePublished
Key
innovation
Torque per unit mass as the key metric enabling lightweight, dynamic and compliant actuation.
Category
Robotics
Abstraction level
Primitive
Operation level
Robot control
How it works
The goal is to maximize motor torque for a given mass — through magnetic materials, winding geometry and cooling. High torque density enables low-ratio quasi-direct-drive actuators that combine high torque with backdrivability.
Problem solved
Dynamic legged robots and humanoids need high joint torque with minimal limb mass; high-ratio gearboxes ruin compliance, so torque 'at the source' matters.