The Archimedes Drive is engineered to redefine precision mechanics. With its traction-based design, it achieves true zero backlash, high torsional stiffness, and minimal lost motion. As a result, motion stays smooth and accurate. Because it uses pure traction contact, wear and noise remain low, while performance stays consistent over time — the reliability that humanoids and advanced robots demand.
The Archimedes Drive is a traction drive speed reducer. It transmits torque through smooth, hollow steel rollers in rolling contact. No gear teeth, no flexspline, no lubrication wear points. That is why lost motion stays at 0.2 arcmin for the life of the drive: there are no teeth to wear. It is a distinct third category of precision speed reducer, alongside strain wave and cycloidal designs.
Read the full explanation: what is a traction drive speed reducer? >
Arm joints set the limits of a mobile manipulator. Heavy distal joints raise limb inertia and force a bigger base. The Archimedes Drive packs 75 Nm of repeated torque into 0.8 kg at 65 mm diameter. Zero backlash protects end-effector precision. Backdrivable, with overtorque protection for collisions. Quiet operation near people.
Precision that does not drift. The traction contact has no teeth to wear, so lost motion stays at 0.2 arcmin over the service life. Sealed construction handles dust, moisture and temperature extremes. Developed in the Netherlands on 10 years of R&D.
75 Nm repeated torque. 0.2 arcmin max lost motion, for the life of the drive. 85% efficiency. 0.8 kg at 65 mm diameter: roughly 94 Nm/kg. Below 55 dBA. Reduction ratios from 25:1 to 200:1 in a single stage.
IMSystems is a TU Delft spinout, founded in 2016. The Archimedes Drive is backed by ABB Technology Ventures, Linamar, Finindus and InnovationQuarter.
