The basic configuration of planar 3Degree of freedom (DOF) kinematic chains and its application were studied. Taking graph theory as a mathematical model
all possible basic configurations of planar 3DOF kinematic chains were derived. The constrained condition is that three drive elements should be fixed on the frame at the same time to decrease inertia. Five kinds of applied basic configuration of planar 3DOF mechanisms were obtained. Structure characteristics and application status were analyzed
and potential application prospects for their basic configurations were presented.