Preface -- Kinematics of Rigid Bodies -- Mechanisms -- Serial Mechanisms -- Evaluation of Mechanisms -- Singular Planes and Dexterous Robot Mechanisms.- Redundant Mechanisms.- Parallel Mechanisms -- Robot Contact -- Robot Grasp -- Kinematic Model of the Human Hand.-Index.

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the area of robot mechanisms, primarily considering industrial manipulators and humanoid arms. The book is intended for both teaching and self-study. Emphasis is given to the fundamentals of kinematic analysis and the design of robot mechanisms. The coverage of topics is untypical. The focus is on robot kinematics. The book creates a balance between theoretical and practical aspects in the development and application of robot mechanisms, and includes the latest achievements and trends in robot science and technology.