This method controls an automatic finishing
machine using a
robot with a tool through a model storage step, a
data acquisition step, a calculation step, an error derivation step, a correction step and a
machining step. In the model storage step, shape data of an unfinished work or data of a three-dimensional model is stored in a memory. In the
data acquisition step, the tool is brought into contact with the unfinished work W, thereby obtaining measurement data. Then, in the calculation step, actual-position data on a comparative
object point is calculated based on the measurement data. Subsequently, in the error derivation step, a data difference between the calculated actual-position data and position data on the comparative
object point in the three-dimensional model is obtained. Thereafter, in the correction step, teaching data indicative of the position of the tool corresponding to the shape data of the three-dimensional model is corrected, based on the data difference. Finally, in the
machining step, the finishing process is performed, while the
robot (11) is controlled, based on the corrected teaching data.