A robotic joint configured as a 3-axis joint configured with a shoulder or other human joint form factor. The joint includes a first link made up of a block attaching to a torso and a stationary electric actuator assembly mounted to the block. A second link is connected to the first link to rotate about a first axis and be driven by the actuator assembly. A third link is attached to the second link to rotate about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis when the third link is driven by the actuator assembly. A fourth link is connected to the third link to rotate about a third axis orthogonal to the second axis when the fourth link is driven by the actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes three electric motors with threaded drive capstans driving pulleys in the links while being spaced apart from the rotating links.