A robot hand is moved at a moving speed in direct movement from a start
position to an end position. When the robot hand passes through a setting
position on a movement route from the start position to the end position,
a setting position passing signal is outputted. At this time, a robot
controller does not lower the moving speed of the robot hand before and
after arrival at the setting position. Therefore, the reduction in the
moving speed of the robot hand due to existence of the setting position
can be prevented and the movement time of the robot hand can be prevented
from undesired prolongation. By doing this, the cycle time can be
shortened and the operability of the robot can be improved.