A modified real coded quantum-inspired evolution algorithm (MRQIEA) is herein presented for optimum synthesis of planar rigid body mechanisms (RBMs). The MRQIEA employs elements of quantum computing such as quantum bits, registers, and quantum gates, neighborhood search engine, and gradient search to form a random search algorithm for solution optimization of a wide class of problems. A brief overview of the quantum computing elements and their adaptation to the optimization algorithm is first presented. The algorithm is then adapted to the synthesis problem of RBMs. Finally, the algorithm is demonstrated and compared to other search methods by way of three examples, including two benchmark examples that have been used in the literature to assess the performance of other optimization schemes.