Book excerpt: Smart Kinematics for Modern Engineering Students is an essential reference on basic kinematics. The book provides detailed knowledge on coordinate transformations for matrix calculations, followed by information about different configurations in component pairs and joints. Readers will learn about the basic mechanical engineering methods used to design components for systems with moving parts along with various practical applications of these concepts. Key Features · Provides-In-depth knowledge of 3D vector calculations in kinematics · Includes descriptions and depictions of major joints commonly used in engineering designs and applications · Discusses common methods of optimization for solving multivariable systems of highly nonlinear equations using displacement models · Presents practical examples of analysis applied to commonly used mechanical system o 6 DOF robotic arm and moving platform o A generic Light Manufacturing Tool (LMT) o Phantom DOF devices o Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as a biomechanical joint · Include scientific references The material in this book will be helpful to undergraduate and graduate engineers who are required to understand knowledge about modern methods in mechanical engineering, including prerequisite courses in advanced linear algebra, kinematics and complex systems.