MODEL COMPARISON · ACTUATORS & JOINT MODULES

Compare Robot Joint Actuators from China

As of October 2026, this table compares 7 robot joint actuators from 5 Chinese manufacturers. Every listed value appears in the manufacturer document cited on the model page; "Request specification" marks figures the document does not state.

Specifications at a glance

Robot Joint Actuators: manufacturer-documented specifications. Units are shown in each column heading.
Source review
CubeMars AK80-9 KV100 (classic)CubeMars1899:1Request specification0.485Request specification39048Single magnetic encoder; 14-bit motor-side resolutionSource review: 2026-10
Damiao DM-J4310-2EC V1.2 (24 V)Damiao12.53.510:1Request specification0.325Request specification120Request specificationRequest specificationSource review: 2026-10
MyActuator RMD-X8-P6-20-C-NMyActuator2010Request specificationRequest specification0.78Request specification19048Request specificationSource review: 2026-10
RealMan WHJ120-S-D88-100-E Integrated Harmonic Joint ModuleRealManRequest specification120Request specificationRequest specification2.388304816-bit incremental + 18-bit absoluteSource review: 2026-10
RobStride RS00 CAN Joint ActuatorRobStride14510:1Planetary; machined steel gearingRequest specificationRequest specificationRequest specification48Request specificationSource review: 2026-10
RobStride RS01 CAN Joint ActuatorRobStride17Differs by document7.75:1Planetary; machined steel gearingDiffers by documentRequest specificationRequest specification36Request specificationSource review: 2026-10
RobStride RS02 CAN Joint ActuatorRobStride17Differs by document7.75:1Planetary; machined steel gearingRequest specificationRequest specificationRequest specification48Request specificationSource review: 2026-10

How to read this table

Peak torque is a short-duration rating and rated torque is a continuous one. Manufacturers measure rated torque at a stated speed, ambient temperature and heat-sink plate, so two rated values are only comparable when those conditions match. Open the model page to see the conditions behind each figure before sizing a joint.

Gear ratio and gear type explain much of the difference between models. A low-ratio planetary joint is easier to back-drive and suits legged and contact-rich motion; a higher ratio raises output torque at the cost of speed and back-drivability. Compare the ratio together with rated speed rather than torque alone.

Supply voltage and communication decide how a joint fits your power and control architecture. Check the bus (CAN, CAN FD or EtherCAT), the control modes your firmware exposes and the encoder arrangement before mixing joints from different suppliers in one robot.

Each figure appears in the manufacturer document cited on the model page. Where a document does not state a value, the cell asks you to request it, so you can add it to your quotation request rather than infer it from a similar model.

Head-to-head comparisons

FAQ

Why do rated torque figures differ so much between similar-sized actuators?

Rated torque depends on the test conditions: speed, ambient temperature, mounting plate and allowed temperature rise. Ask each supplier for the rated torque under your duty cycle and mounting, and compare those answers instead of headline values.

Should I choose CAN or EtherCAT joints?

CAN joints suit small robots and research platforms with a few axes per bus. EtherCAT supports more axes at higher update rates with deterministic timing. Confirm the bus, bit rate and control modes supported by the firmware version you will receive.

Can I order a single actuator for evaluation?

Evaluation quantities depend on the manufacturer and model. Include the model, quantity, cables, adapter and destination in your inquiry so the quotation confirms availability and delivery.

What should an actuator quotation include?

The hardware revision and firmware, the encoder and brake options, cables and connectors, a CAN or EtherCAT adapter if needed, documentation such as the manual and CAD files, warranty terms and delivery terms.

Planning a robotics purchase? Share the quantity, configuration and destination so we can check fit, availability and quote requirements.

Request a quote

— The Sourcebotics sourcing desk

Chat