Where Myo-20 sits
in the market.
Actuator choice is a trade between torque density, backdrivability, precision and cost. Myo-20 targets the middle of that space — near-harmonic torque with the compliance of a quasi-direct drive, at a price closer to hobby hardware.
Scroll the table sideways to see every column.
| Characteristic | Myo-20 | Harmonic-drive module | Comparable QDD module | High-torque hobby servo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak torque | 20 N·m | 20–40 N·m | 15–25 N·m | 5–12 N·m |
| Backlash | 15 arc-min | < 1 arc-min the reason harmonic drives cost what they do | 10–20 arc-min | 30–120 arc-min |
| Reduction | 8:1 | 50:1 – 160:1 | 6:1 – 10:1 | 200:1 + |
| Backdrivable | Yes — high | Effectively no | Yes — high | No |
| Torque sensing | Via phase current | Usually needs a torque sensor | Via phase current | None |
| Control interface | CAN FD · USB-C · UART | EtherCAT / CANopen | CAN / CAN FD | PWM / serial |
| Discharge circuitry | On board | External module | Usually external | Not applicable |
| Driver electronics | Included | Separate drive, often priced like the actuator | Usually included | Included |
| Indicative unit price | $299 | $1,500 – $4,000 est. | $400 – $900 est. | $80 – $250 est. |
How to read this
Myo-20 is not trying to beat a harmonic drive on precision.
A harmonic-drive module will hold sub-arc-minute backlash that a 15 arc-min quasi-direct drive can't approach. If your application is a precision positioning stage or a surgical arm, that precision's a requirement and Myo-20 is probably the wrong tool.
What a harmonic drive gives up is compliance. Its high reduction makes the joint effectively non-backdrivable, so it resists external force instead of yielding to it, and generally needs a dedicated torque sensor to know what it's pushing against.
The comparison that matters is against other QDD modules.
This is the class Myo-20 competes in directly, and the differences are narrower: similar reduction, similar backlash, similar backdrivability. The claim is on integration and price — driver electronics and discharge circuitry in the same housing, at a figure below the typical range for the class.
Why hobby servos are in the table at all.
Many projects use them. Hobby servos are cheaper, but not backdrivable, has an order of magnitude more backlash, and can't tell you what torque it's producing.
Still deciding?
The FAQ covers power requirements, control interfaces, lead times and returns.