In order to test an autonomous behavior controller for a technical system, the following are input: a machine model for physically simulating the technical system; an environment model modelling an environment of the technical system; as well as a disruption model modelling potential disruptions in the environment. Disruption data is generated by means of the disruption model, and the environment model is modified according to the disruption data. Environment-specifically simulated sensor data the technical system is then generated by means of the modified environment model and the machine model. According to the simulated sensor data, control data is generated for the technical system by the autonomous behavior controller. An operating behavior of the technical system induced by the control data is then simulated by means of the machine model. Furthermore, a performance value quantifying the operating behavior is determined and output as a test result.