This paper proposes a V-shaped Lyapunov function approach for the model-based control of flexible-joint robots, in which a new model-based nonlinear control scheme is designed based on a V-shaped Lyapunov function. The proposed control guarantees global asymptotic stability for link trajectory control while keeping all internal signals bounded. Since joint flexibility is used as a control parameter, the proposed control is not restricted by the degree of joint flexibility and be applied to flexibility-joint, partly-flexibility, or rigid-joint robots without modification. the effectiveness of the proposed control has been by computer simulation.