Abstract: A manipulator apparatus comprises an elongated member having a number of arm sections interconnected by rotary actuators and supported by a vertical member rotatably mounted on a console. The other end of the elongated member terminates in a terminal motion actuator adapted to support an article handling member. Each rotary actuator comprises a stepping motor coupled to a harmonic drive device, wherein control pulses fed into the stepping motor will initiate motion which is reduced by the harmonic drive device and then imparted to the respective arm section. The vertical member is similarly controlled. The terminal motion actuator comprises a stepping motor rotatably supported by a rotary actuator comprising a combination of a stepping motor and a harmonic drive device. The terminal motion actuator has mounting means for supporting article handling members. The vertical member is rotatably supported in such manner that free play is totally eliminated.