1. A method for identifying a manipulator 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 based on the three-dimensional image detected; c) making available reference statuses of the manipulator, and d) identifying the manipulator based on the actual status determined and the reference statuses made available.