Method for programming a force to be applied by a working end of a robot, along at least part of a preprogrammed path of the working end, the method comprising the steps of: —moving the working end of the robot over the said at least part of the preprogrammed path, the driving of the robot being feedback-controlled in order to keep the working end in position without a force setpoint, —at least at one position during the movement, having an operator apply to the working end a force which is the opposite of that which is to be applied during the task and which has an intensity proportionate to that which is to be applied during the task, —determining the force that is to be applied during the task from the resistive force exerted by the robot in order to keep the working end on the path, —storing in memory the force thus determined in relation to the position of the working end while the opposing force is being applied.