The invention relates to a method for creating a robot model (17) of an industrial robot (1) which has a robotic arm (2) having a plurality of successive limbs (3-8) which are adjustable by means of drives (11-16) via transmissions (5) in relation to axes (A1-A2), controlled by a control device (10) of the industrial robot (1). According to the invention, the robotic arm (2) is moved in a plurality of poses. At least one of the limbs (4) is moved in the same first movement direction (18) by means of the drive (11) thereof at least upon approaching the individual poses. In order to obtain the robot model (17), the robotic arm (2) is measured at each of the poses thereof.