The problem of endpoint position control for a planar manipulator which has two very flexible links is considered. Discussions on system identification techniques are presented relative to the laboratory apparatus under consideration. The resulting models are used in static and dynamic fixed-controller designs, as well as in a self-tuning controller design for the case in which the manipulator carries an unknown payload at the endpoint of the second link. Experimental results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the control and system identification.>