A robotic movement system includes at least one orb-based transmission assembly that includes an orb mount structure to or in which a magnet is mounted. At least one motor and a plurality of rollers are also mounted to the orb mount structure. The rollers contact an orb, which is rotated via rotation of the rollers for displacement and rotation of the robotic platform. The orb also includes a magnet having a magnetic attraction to the magnet mounted to the orb mount structure to hold the orb in contact with the rollers. In exemplary embodiments, the robotic movement system can function as a navigation and displacement mechanism for a displaceable robotic system or as a robotic joint for robots or for living beings.