A haptic robotic system for reaming an acetabulum prior to inserting an acetabular cup is more accurate than conventional instruments and may reduce the risk of dislocation and improve durability of a hip implant. Disclosed is a three-dimensional tool path, referred to as a haptic volume. Once the haptic volume is implemented into the software of a haptically constrained surgical robotic system, the cutting tool or reamer can only be utilized within the haptic volume. The haptic volume guides the surgeon in preparing the final reamed bone surface with a greatly reduced chance of the reaming unintended bone and greatly increases the chance that the reaming procedure may be carried out using one reaming tool, or using a single-stage reaming process.