In this article, we present an inverse dynamics control strategy to achieve small tracking errors for a class of multi-link structurally flexible manipulators. This is done by defining new outputs near the end points of the arms as well as by augmenting the control inputs by terms that ensure stable operation of the closed loop system under specific conditions. The controller is designed in a two-step process. First, a new output is defined such that the zero dynamics of the original system are stabilized. Next, to ensure stable asymptotic tracking, the control input is modified such that stable asymptotic tracking of the new output or approximate tracking of the actual output may be achieved. This is illustrated for the case of single- and two-link flexible manipulators.
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