Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
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Glossary · Robotics

Robot programming

Also known as: Robot program development

German: Roboterprogrammierung

In robotics, robot programming is the creation of the instructions a robot controller executes: motion commands, positions, tool and frame data, logic and communication with other devices. It is done online with the robot (teach-in, hand guiding) or offline in simulation.

  • Robotics

In one sentence

Robot programming creates the motion, logic and communication instructions a robot runs, online on the robot or offline in simulation.

Example

The team created the palletizing program offline, then touched up the pick and place positions online with the teach pendant.

How it applies

  • Engineering: Programs are written in the manufacturer's language or a graphical environment; some controllers accept programs from a PLC or a standardized interface. Structure, naming and comments decide how maintainable programs are.
  • Commissioning: New programs run first at reduced speed in manual mode, with an Enabling device and the operator outside the robot's reach where possible.
  • Documentation: The documentation team should document program structure, position naming, the PLC interface and the procedure for changes and backups. Program changes are configuration changes and belong under change control.

Online vs. offline robot programming

Online programming with Teach-in uses the real robot and cell; it is intuitive but stops production. Offline programming uses a simulation and needs a calibrated robot and an accurate cell model.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 26, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: AI TechDoc Knowledge editorial definition, based on industrial robotics practice

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Knowledge and are not part of any standard.

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