In a device for manipulating preferably a casting tube in a changing device at the spout of a metallurgical vessel, this manipulation is performed by means of a robot having an attachable base, a carrying arm that pivots on the base and at least one extension arm mounted rotatably on the carrying arm and has a gripper, preferably for the casting tube. The base of the robot is attached alongside the vessel such that the carrying arm is pivotable to a side of the vessel into a downwardly directed position and each extension arm is movable along an underside of the vessel. This provides optimum placement of the robot, and consequently the device, so they do not impede access for personnel to the tundish on the casting platform during casting and corresponding manipulations can be carried out easily and operationally reliably with the device in an automated manner.