Robotic manipulators are becoming increasingly important in research and industry, and an understanding of statics and kinematics is essential to solving problems in this field. 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 on the concepts of classical geometry. It is the first to describe 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 practicing engineers will find this book easy to follow, with its clear text, abundant illustrations, exercises, and real-world projects.