Mechanical Systems Design Handbook P20

We start our discussion on robot dynamics from the standpoint that successful design and control of any system require appropriate knowledge of its behavior. This is certain, but we should discuss what is meant by “appropriate knowledge.” Let us consider a robot as an example of a technical system. Appropriate knowledge of its behavior may, but need not, include the mathematical model of its dynamics. In the earlier phases of robotics development, design was not based on the exact calculation of robot dynamics but followed experience from machine design....