A method for securely and intentionally activating or initiating machine functions, in particular traversing movements of a machine, such as a robot or a plant for example, by an operator via a control panel having a touch-sensitive position detection sensor for detecting the position of touch points or changes in their position, in particular in the form of a touch panel or touchscreen, which touch points are created by the contact of fingers or parts of the hand of an operator with the sensor surface of the touch-sensitive position detection sensor, wherein multiple selection fields are defined as respectively connected partial areas of the sensor surface of the position detection sensor, furthermore, haptically perceptible markings are applied to the sensor surface of the touch-sensitive position detection sensor, by means of which markings the respective position of the selection fields can be felt and found by the operator without visual aid, and the control panel has an evaluation unit or an evaluation unit is assigned to the control panel, which evaluation unit identifies the operating actions undertaken on the control panel and/or operating actions detected by the touch-sensitive position detection sensor on the basis of the position and change in position of the detected touch points, and performs or controls respectively assigned machine functions, in particular traversing movements, characterized by the steps: - permanent or, depending on an operating state, temporary assignment of a plurality of machine functions, in each case to a combination of a selection field and a characteristic touch gesture and/or touch movement by the evaluation unit; - selecting a selection field by the operator by dragging a finger on the sensor surface into the respective selection field to create a first touch point, whilst simultaneously creating further touch points on the sensor surface with other fingers, and then lifting the other fingers off the sensor surface whilst the finger inside the selection field maintains the contact, whereby the evaluation unit recognizes and accepts the selection of said field; - subsequently performing a characteristic touch gesture and/or touch movement by the operator; - initiating or controlling the machine function assigned to the combination of selection field and touch gesture and/or touch movement by the evaluation unit. - permanent or, depending on an operating state, temporary assignment of a plurality of machine functions, in each case to a combination of a selection field and a characteristic touch gesture and/or touch movement by the evaluation unit; - selecting a selection field by the operator by dragging a finger on the sensor surface into the respective selection field to create a first touch point, whilst simultaneously creating further touch points on the sensor surface with other fingers, and then lifting the other fingers off the sensor surface whilst the finger inside the selection field maintains the contact, whereby the evaluation unit recognizes and accepts the selection of said field; - subsequently performing a characteristic touch gesture and/or touch movement by the operator; - initiating or controlling the machine function assigned to the combination of selection field and touch gesture and/or touch movement by the evaluation unit. <EOS>