Robotic manipulators are becoming increasingly important in research and industry, and an understanding of statics and kinematics is essential to solving problems of robotics. This book, written by an eminent researcher and practitioner, provides a thorough introduction to statics and first-order instantaneous kinematics with applications to robotics. The emphasis is on serial and parallel planar manipulators and mechanisms. The text differs from others in that it is based solely upon the concepts of classical geometry. It describes how to introduce linear springs into the connectors of parallel manipulators and to provide a proper geometric method for controlling the force and motion of a rigid lamina. Both students and practising engineers will find this book easy to follow, with a clearly written text and abundant illustrations, as well as exercises and real-world projects to work on.

"...valuable to robotics researchers, especially those in the areas of robot kinematics and motion planning. Recommended for robot researchers and libraries, it is also useful as a reference book for teaching kinematics or introductory robotics." Applied Mechanics Reviews