This monograph represents the first book of the series entitled "SCI ENTIFIC FUNDAMENTALS OF ROBOTICS". The aim of this monograph is to ap proach the dynamics of active mechanisms from the standpoint of its application to the synthesis of complex motion and computer-aided de sign of manipulation mechanisms with some optimal performances. The rapid development of a new class of mechanisms, which may be referred to as active mechanisms, contributed to their application in various environments (from underwater to cosmic) . Because of some specific fea tures, these mechanisms require very careful description, both in a mechanical sense (kinematic and dynamic) and in the synthesis of algo rithms for precise tracking of the above motion under insufficiently defined operating conditions. Having also in mind the need for a very fast (even real-time) calculation of system dynamics and for eliminating, in principle, the errors made when forming mathematical models "by hand" this monograph will primarily present methods for automatic for mUlation of dynamic equations of motion of active spatial mechanisms. Apart from these computer-oriented methods, mention will be made of all those methods which have preceded the computer-oriented procedures, predominantly developed for different problems of rigid body dynamics. If we wish to systematically establish the origins of the scientific discipline, which could be called robot dynamics, we must recall some groups and individuals, who, by solving actual problems in the synthe sis and control of artificial motion, have contributed to a gradual formation of this discipline.

The science and engineering of robotic manipulation. "Manipulation" refers to a variety of physical changes made to the world around us. Mechanics of Robotic Manipulation addresses one form of robotic manipulation, moving objects, and the various processes involved—grasping, carrying, pushing, dropping, throwing, and so on. Unlike most books on the subject, it focuses on manipulation rather than manipulators. This attention to processes rather than devices allows a more fundamental approach, leading to results that apply to a broad range of devices, not just robotic arms. The book draws both on classical mechanics and on classical planning, which introduces the element of imperfect information. The book does not propose a specific solution to the problem of manipulation, but rather outlines a path of inquiry.

A Mathematical Introduction to Robotic Manipulation presents a mathematical formulation of the kinematics, dynamics, and control of robot manipulators. It uses an elegant set of mathematical tools that emphasizes the geometry of robot motion and allows a large class of robotic manipulation problems to be analyzed within a unified framework. The foundation of the book is a derivation of robot kinematics using the product of the exponentials formula. The authors explore the kinematics of open-chain manipulators and multifingered robot hands, present an analysis of the dynamics and control of robot systems, discuss the specification and control of internal forces and internal motions, and address the implications of the nonholonomic nature of rolling contact are addressed, as well. The wealth of information, numerous examples, and exercises make A Mathematical Introduction to Robotic Manipulation valuable as both a reference for robotics researchers and a text for students in advanced robotics courses.

A modern and unified treatment of the mechanics, planning, and control of robots, suitable for a first course in robotics.

Homogeneous transformations; Kinematic equations; Solving kinematic equations; Differential relationships; Motion trajectories; Dynamics; Control; Static forces; Compliance; Programming.

Aerial robotic manipulation integrates concepts and technologies coming from unmanned aerial systems and robotics manipulation. It includes not only kinematic, dynamics, aerodynamics and control but also perception, planning, design aspects, mechatronics and cooperation between several aerial robotics manipulators. All these topics are considered in this book in which the main research and development approaches in aerial robotic manipulation are presented, including the description of relevant systems. In addition of the research aspects, the book also includes the deployment of real systems both indoors and outdoors, which is a relevant characteristic of the book because most results of aerial robotic manipulation have been validated only indoor using motion tracking systems. Moreover, the book presents two relevant applications: structure assembly and inspection and maintenance, which has started to be applied in the industry. The Chapters of the book will present results of two main European Robotics Projects in aerial robotics manipulation: FP7 ARCAS and H2020 AEROARMS. FP7 ARCAS defined the basic concepts on aerial robotic manipulation, including cooperative manipulation. The H2020 AEROARMS on aerial robot with multiple arms and advanced manipulation capabilities for inspection and maintenance has two general objectives: (1) development of advanced aerial robotic manipulation methods and technologies, including manipulation with dual arms and multi-directional thrusters aerial platforms; and (2) application to the inspection and maintenance.

During the period 1982-1985, six books of the series: Scientific Fun damentals of Robotics were published by Springer-Verlag. In chronolo gical order these were: Dynamics of Manipulation Robots: Theory and Application, by M. Vukobra tovic and V. Potkonjak, Control of Manipulation Robots: Theory and Ap plication, by M. vukobratovic and D. Stokic, Kinematics and Trajectory Synthesis of Manipulation Robots, by M. Vukobratovic and H. Kircanski, Real-Time Dynamics of Hanipulation Robots by M. Vukobratovic and N. Kircanski, Non-Adaptive and Adaptive Control of Manipulation Robots, by M. Vukobratovic, D. Stokic and N. Kircanski and Computer-Aided De sign and Applied Dynamics of Manipulation Robots, by M. Vukobratovic and V. Potkonjak. Within the series, during 1989, two monographs dealing with new sub jects will be published. So far, amongst the published monographs, Vol. 1 has been translated into Japanese, Volumes 2 and 5 into Russian, and Volumes 1-6 will appear in Chinese and Hungarian. In the author's opinion, the afore mentioned monographs, in principle, cover with sufficient breadth, the topics devoted to the design of ro bots and their control systems, at the level of post-graduate study in robotics. However, if this material was also to apply to the study of robotics at under-graduate level, it would have to be modified so as to obtain the character of a textbook. With this in mind, it must be noted that the subject matter contained in the text cannot be simpli fied but can only be elaborated in more detail.