A method for automated detection of defects in a workpiece surface and generation of a robot program for the machining of the workpiece is described. In accordance with one embodiment, the method comprises the localization of defects in a surface of a workpiece as well as determining a three-dimensional topography of the localized defects and categorizing at least one localized defect based on its topography. Dependent on the defect category of the at least one defect, a machining process is selected and, in accordance with the selected machining process, a robot program for the robot-assisted machining of the at least one defect is generated with the assistance of a computer.