Equations used to calaculate the positions of a series of rigidly-linked segments (called the kinematic chain) based on the location of the end effector, usually located at the tip of the last segment. Useful for robotic systems like drawing machines, robot arms, and more.

Inverse kinematics calculate the angles of each linked segment given the desired location of the end effector. Will give you the angles of each segment, which can in turn be converted into motor positions for a robot.

Forward kinematics calculate the location of the end effector given the angles and lengths of each linked segment.

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