Robot Arm Design: Calculating Torque Needed

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jmay
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I am design a three jointed robotic arm that can lift 40 pounds. A diagram of the arm is attached.
How can I calculate the torque needed at each motor to lift the 40 pounds?
 
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  • Diagram of a four-mass chain in a line with masses labelled M1 to M4 connected by segments: L1 = 21 inches, L2 = 18 inches, L3 = 18 inches.
    diagram.jpg
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torque = distance times mass = e.g. Foot-Pounds

is that what you need?
 
That's how I've been doing the calculation. This finds the torque at the full extension of the arm. How can I find the torque need at half extension? Would I find the lifting angle and multiply by the sin of the angle?