A standard form for the dynamics of general manipulation systems

Considers the structural properties of the dynamics of robotic manipulation systems of a rather general class, including multiple cooperating, possibly whole-arm limbs, interacting with a manipulated object by means of contacts. A geometric approach to the analysis of the linearized dynamics of such systems is presented, which provides much insight in some of their intrinsic characteristics in the light of classical system-theoretic concepts such as controllability, observability, and canonical forms.