A robotic strong arm (RSA) for assisting in the transfer of a person from a first surface to a second surface, comprising: first and second members, wherein in each member comprises a prismatic joint having first and second ends and comprising inner and outer shells and a motor for powered linear movement of the outer shell with respect to the inner shell; a first powered joint interconnecting the second end of the first member with the first end of the second member, wherein the first powered joint provides movement of the second member with respect to the first member; wherein the first end of the first member is attached to a rotatable base and wherein the rotatable base is movably attached for powered movement along a component associated with, and extending around at least a portion of a periphery about, the first surface; and a computer controller for controlling movements of the outer shells, first powered joint, rotation of the rotatable base and movement of the rotatable base and RSA along the component.