A new identification method using a higher order multilayer neural network is proposed for identifying a complex dynamic system such as a robotic manipulator. The input torque data for learning of the neural identifier are generated for producing effective output trajectories by a minimization process of a specific performance index function which indicates the difference between the reference points and the present joint positions and their velocities of the robotic manipulator. Computer simulation results show that the proposed identification method is very effective for identifying the systems with complex dynamics and large moment of inertia.