Teaching more complex motions in a robot?

Projects General Guidance
1

Is there any kind of software out there that could represent my robot in a 3D space where I could move it's joints and record the positions?

Something along the lines of animatronics. I just think it would be a complete head ache to power on the robot and do it in the real world.

Thanks in advance

2

For software see RoboLogix RoboLogix - Wikipedia

Prior to the days of cheap computers I believe the first robots used in car assembly plants were taught where to move by a human moving the joints in real-time. Angle encoders recorded the motions and these were then played back to the robot.

If you look at old videos of the first robots used in car assembly plants you will see them moving with disturbingly human like motions complete with unnecessary pauses that people needed in order to maintain their balance while lifting and positioning heavy objects such as a car windscreen.

3

Thank you very much!