The invention relates to a method for operating a robot and to a robot, wherein the robot comprises movable elements ELE.sub.m which can be driven by actuators AKT.sub.n, and is designed to carry out a movement B with the elements ELE.sub.m, and wherein the robot comprises a detection system for determining signals W.sub.G.sub.k.sub.B(t) of a group of measurement variables G.sub.k.sup.B characterizing the movement B of the elements ELE.sub.m and the interactions thereof with an environment. The proposed method comprises the following steps: determining (10), by means of the detection system, reference signals W.sub.G.sub.k.sub.B.sup.R(t) of the measurement variables G.sub.k.sup.B during at least one execution of the movement B of the elements ELE.sub.m which is in the form of a reference movement B; automatically determining (102), based on the reference signals W.sub.G.sub.k.sub.B.sup.R (t), using an adaptive method, a mathematical model M.sub.G.sub.k.sub.B for describing the reference movement B including the reference interactions by the measurement variables G.sub.k.sup.B, during a normal execution of the movement B by the model M.sub.G.sub.k.sub.B; predicting (103) signals W.sub.G.sub.k.sub.B.sup.P(t) for describing the reference movement B, including the reference interactions by the measurement variables G.sub.k.sup.B; comparing (104) the signals W.sub.G.sub.k.sub.B(t) determined currently during the normal execution of the movement B with the predicted signals W.sub.G.sub.k.sub.B(t) for determining a deviation Δ.sub.G.sub.k.sub.B(t) between W.sub.G.sub.k.sub.B.sup.P(t) and in W.sub.G.sub.k.sub.B; insofar as the deviation Δ.sub.G.sub.k.sub.B(t) does not meet a predefined condition BED.sub.G.sub.k.sub.B, based on the deviation Δ.sub.G.sub.k.sub.B(t) classifying (105) the current deviation Δ.sub.G.sub.k.sub.B(t) in one of a number I of predefined error categories F.sub.i,G.sub.k.sub.B(Δ.sub.G.sub.k.sub.B(t)), wherein predefined control information S.sub.F.sub.i.sub.,G.sub.k.sub.B(t) for the actuators AKT.sub.k is produced for each of the error categories F.sub.i,G.sub.k.sub.B(Δ.sub.G.sub.k.sub.B

A linear transfer system for a collaborative robot includes a linear bearing extending along a linear axis. A carriage on the linear bearing moves along the linear axis and supports a collaborative robot. One or more load cells are supported on either axial end of the carriage. A motor causes movement of the carriage along the linear axis under the control of a motor control circuit. The circuit receives input signals indicative of forces applied to the load cells. During a programming mode for the system, the circuit may generate control signals for the motor causing movement of the carriage along the linear axis corresponding to the forces applied to the load cells. During an operating mode of the system, the circuit may detect collisions by comparing the forces to a threshold and generating control signals to halt movement of the carriage if a predetermined condition is met.