1. A method for identifying one of a plurality of manipulators by means of a portable terminal device, wherein the portable terminal device comprises a 3D camera, the method having the following steps: a) detecting a three-dimensional image of at least one part of the manipulator to be identified by means of the 3D camera of the portable terminal device; b) determining an actual status of the manipulator to be identified based on the three-dimensional image detected; c) making available reference statuses for each, of the plurality of manipulators, wherein each of the plurality of manipulators is distinguishable by its own reference status, and d) identifying the manipulator to be identified from the plurality of manipulators based on a comparison of the actual status determined to each of the reference statuses made available.