Sounds like what you need is a continuous (unlimited) rotation hydraulic actuator. The only one I know of that would give you smooth motion at low rates, while backdriving, is the one that we developing (not available yet). If you have a high enough rate you may be able to use a hydraulic...
Try to get an engineer from a bearing manufacturer to help you out.<br>
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We had a similar problem with tapered bearings. Are rates were very slow (0 to 2 degrees/sec). We were told that the static rating is for 0 RPM ONLY and that for spped between 0 and 5 RPM we were in no-man's land...
We are designing an underwater robotic manipulator. The system will be man rated (ie. a suited subject will be positioned on the end of this arm). Part of our requirements states that the joints should provide smooth and continuous motion. <br>
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We need to be able to quantify smoothness...
