A process module library according to the invention for programming a manipulator process, in particular an assembly process, comprises a plurality of parametrisable process modules (“search( )”, “peg_in_hole( )”, “gear( )”, “screw( )”) for carrying out a sub-process which in particular is common to different manipulator processes. Each of the process modules comprises a plurality of basic commands of a common set of basic commands for carrying out a basic operation, in particular an atomic or molecular operation, and a process module can be linked, in particular mathematically, to a further process module and/or a basic command. During programming, a manipulator can be controlled by means of a functional module of a graphic programming environment (100).