Abstract: A robot controller including a control unit and a portable operating device (TPU) for teaching and manually operating the robot. The TPU includes safety equipment, a safety TPU-part having a first communication unit and a main TPU-part having a third communication unit. The control unit includes a safety control part having a second communication unit and a main control part having a forth communication unit. The first and second communication units are arranged such that they form a first communication channel for transferring communication data including information regarding the status of safety equipment from the TPU to the control unit. The third and fourth communication units are arranged such that they form a second communication channel for transferring general communication data between the TPU and the control unit.

Abstract: A cutting tool having a substrate and a coating has at least one layer having an X-ray diffraction pattern. The pattern shows the presence of a crystalline structure as well as of an amorphous structure. Preferably the layer comprises (Ti,Al)(O,N). The tool is particularly useful for machining steel, hardened steel or stainless steel, preferably milling of stainless steel. Associated methods are also described.