How much does ambient temperature actually affect actuator performance in the field?

[chloe_jack]

@noah_pate Appreciate the detailed answer. Encoder resolution requirements scale with how tightly you need to control low-speed motion - coarse encoders are fine for open-loop swing phases but cause visible stutter during precise placement or fine force control.

[dchen]

@chloe_jack I'll believe the stronger version of that claim when it's independently verified. For dynamic walking and recovery, joint control bandwidth in the tens of Hz range is typically necessary to react to a stumble before the center of mass gets too far outside the support polygon. Boston Dynamics' commercial electric Atlas switched fully from hydraulic to QDD-style electric actuation, ending up quieter and lighter with comparable or better dynamic performance than the old hydraulic platform. Reminds me a bit of the early drone hobbyist scene, honestly.