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Robot Manipulation Explained

Robot manipulation explained: how perception, grasping, planning and control work together to move and interact with objects.

Published September 26, 2026 · Robot Embodiment Editorial

What is robot manipulation?

Manipulation is the controlled interaction with objects using an end effector, hand or other mechanism. It includes grasping, pushing, placing, opening and tool use.

The manipulation pipeline

A typical system combines perception, object and state estimation, task planning, motion generation and feedback control. Learning can replace or augment parts of this stack.

Why manipulation is an embodiment problem

Hands and arms differ in reach, degrees of freedom, contact surfaces and force capabilities. A manipulation policy therefore needs a representation or adaptation layer that respects the target body.

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