A mechanical translation apparatus includes a translation stage and a translation assembly operatively connected to the translation stage so as to impart linear motions to the translation stage substantially free of rotational motions. The translation assembly includes a plurality of at least three arms pivotably connected to the translation stage at a first end of each arm of the plurality of at least three arms. The mechanical translation apparatus also includes a base assembly in which each arm of the plurality of at least three arms is also rotationally connected to the base assembly at a second end of each arm. Each arm of the plurality of at least three arms includes three rigid elongate structures arranged substantially parallel and non-coplanar with respect to each other so as to act in cooperation to cancel torques so that substantially purely linear motion is imparted to the translation stage by the plurality of at least three arms, and the translation assembly constrains motion of the translation stage to be substantially purely translational motion free of rotational motion. A robot includes the mechanical translation apparatus.
