Forward Kinematics

Abstract

In this chapter we develop the forward or configuration kinematic equa- tions for rigid robots. The forward kinematics problem is concerned with the relationship between the individual joints of the robot manipulator and the position and orientation of the tool or end-effector. Stated more formally, the forward kinematics problem is to determine the position and orientation of the end-effector, given the values for the joint variables of the robot. The joint variables are the angles between the links in the case of revolute or rotational joints, and the link extension in the case of prismatic or sliding joints. The forward kinematics problem is to be contrasted with the inverse kinematics problem, which will be studied in the next chapter, and which is concerned with determining values for the joint variables that achieve a desired position and orientation for the end-effector of the robot. 3.1