Abstract: A robot for loading and unloading reels (40, 70) of metal wires on a tubular stranding machine (1) for manufacturing cables from wires unwound from the reels which includes a mechanical unit (3, 4) having a motorized device (3) provided with tongs (14) for seizing the reels. The motorized device 3 is capable of moving from one end of the stranding machine (1) to the other under the action of driving means (11) so as to extract therefrom empty reels (70) and replace them with full reels (40) previously prepared and stored in supply passageways each corresponding to a wire diameter. A microcomputer system is provided for the automatic control of operations carried out by the mechanical unit (3, 4). This robot considerably improves the productivity of the stranding machine and diminishes the risks of accidents for the operator supervising the latter.