Abstract: An articulated apparatus is disclosed that includes a first link member, a second link member, and a third link member. The second link member is coupled to the first link member at a proximal end of the second link member by a first joint having a first axis of rotation. The third link member is coupled to a distal end of the second link member by a second joint. The movement of the third link member with respect to the second link member is governed by at least one tendon that passes through the first axis of rotation of the first joint such that movement of the second member with respect to the first member does not cause movement of the third member with respect to the second member.

Abstract: An articulated apparatus is disclosed including a plurality of link members each in communication with and rotatably moveable with respect to at least one other adjacent link member about an associated joint between the adjacent link members. The plurality of link members include a first link member that extends in a first direction and is associated with a first joint having an axis of rotation in a second direction that is different than the first direction, and a second link member that extends in a third direction and is associated with a second joint having an axis of rotation in a fourth direction that is substantially coplanar with the third direction. The apparatus also includes a base portion including a drive assembly for controlling the movement of each of the link members with respect to other link members about the joints via tendons that control the rotational movement of the link members about the joints responsive to the drive assembly.