A method is described for the computer-aided programming of robots for processing workpieces. According to one exemplary embodiment, the method comprises the generation of a first virtual workpiece by superposing models of several workpiece variants of a workpiece by means of a software tool run on a workstation and the carrying out of path planning for defining tool paths for at least one first region of the workpiece and verifying the defined tool paths on the basis of the first virtual workpiece. Each of the workpiece variants is given by a set of determined local geometric forms of a basic body. The different geometric forms can be formed for example by attachment parts arranged on the workpiece basic body or by modification of the external geometric shape of the workpiece basic body.