barrett's wam* arm is a highly dexterous, naturally backdrivable manipulator.
it is a robotic arm with direct-drive capability supported by transparent dynamics between the motors and joints, so its control of contact forces is robust - independent of mechanical force or torque sensors. it is built to outperform conventional robots with unmatched human-like grace and dexterity.
* according to barrett's, there are two meanings to whole-arm manipulation [wam]. both are exemplified in barrett’s wam arm:
• the inherent capability of a robot to control contact forces with inherent safety and robustness all along its link and joint surfaces, from the base of the arm through its end. this capability is especially enabling when applied to a kinematically redundant arm.
• a (w)holistic approach to robot design enhances safety and performance while reducing intrinsic manufacturing, shipping, training, software, footprint, power, and servicing costs. for example, conventional robot designs continue today to depend on legacy drive technologies that introduce friction, backlash, torque fluctuations, or generate poor aspect ratios. then conventional designers go to great lengths to attempt to mask these effects at the expense of safety or other performance metrics. the (w)holistic approach leverages simple, [high-speed cable] drives that do not introduce these problems in the first place and yet exceed the highest standards of conventional performance.