This paper presents theoretical and experimental investigations into modelling a single-link flexible manipulator system. An analytical model of the manipulator, characterised by an infinite number of modes, is developed using the Lagrange's equation and modal expansion method. This is used to develop equivalent time-domain and frequency-domain working models of the system in state-space and transfer function forms respectively. The model parameters are then estimated experimentally using system's measured input/output data. The model thus obtained is validated through experimentation and results including the effect of payload on system characteristics presented and discussed.

The goal of this paper is to present a new method to control pushing operations with several fingers. We take into account some dynamical aspects that have not yet been investigated in pushing studies such as the object's center of mass acceleration correction and optimal force distribution. To do this, we use a general method for multi-chain mechanisms based on a dynamical control with finger coordination. We first detail the problems encountered in this type of manipulation and the way to take these points into account with specific constraints definition for the support contact. According to the parameters of the model such as optimization criterion and object characteristics, we present simulation results of object pushing with two fingers for a rotational and translational motion.