A robot system and a machining method capable of accurately and simply
cutting an end of a pipe into a saddle shape and forming a hole on an
outer surface thereof, and further machining a workpiece of a
three-dimensional shape which does not have platelike shape. A tool unit
is attached to a final axis of a moveable arm of a robot. The tool unit
is provided with a first additional variable axis expanding and
retracting vertically and a second additional variable axis expanding and
retracting in the horizontal direction. By rotating the final axis, a
cutting tool (machining nozzle of laser) at a distal end of the tool unit
is turned about the final axis to cut a workpiece W of a pipe shape. By
driving the first and the second additional variable axes in synchronism
with rotation of the final axis, the cutting into a saddle shape and the
forming of a hole are carried out. The movable arm of the robot is only
for rotating the final axis and the machining accuracy is promoted.