A robust nonlinear controller based on an improved feedback linearization technique with state observer is developed for a class of nonlinear systems with uncertainties and external disturbances. First, by combining classical feedback linearization approach with a discontinuous control and a fuzzy logic system, we design and study a robust controller for uncertain nonlinear systems. Second, we propose an optimized extended Kalman filter (EKF) for the observation of the states. The parameters to be optimized are the covariance matrices Q and R, which play an important role in the EKF performances. The particle swarm optimization algorithm insures this optimization. Lyapunov synthesis approach is used to prove the stability of the whole control loop. The proposed approach is applied on a two-link robot system under Matlab environment. Simulation results have confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed approach against uncertainties and external disturbances; and exhibited a more superior performance than the non-improved control actions.