When an engineer is designing a program for a robotic arm to complete a task, they typically follow a process that involves the following steps: 

1. Define the task: The engineer starts by defining the task that the robotic arm needs to complete. This involves understanding the purpose of the task, the environment in which it will be performed, and any constraints or limitations that need to be taken into account. 

2. Select the appropriate robotic arm: The engineer then selects the robotic arm that is best suited for the task. This involves considering factors such as the arm’s range of motion, payload capacity, and control system. 

3. Select the appropriate end effector: The engineer then must choose a tool for the end of the robotic arm that will be able to complete the task that has been defined. Examples of end effectors that an engineer may choose from are grippers, suction cups, drills, welders, electromagnets, cameras, paint sprayers, or laser cutters. 

4. Write the program: The engineer writes a program that controls the movements of the robotic arm to complete the task. This involves using programming languages such as C++, Python, or MATLAB to define the arm’s movements and actions. 

5. Test the program: The engineer tests the program to ensure that it is working as intended. This may involve testing the program in a simulated environment or using a physical robotic arm. 

6. Refine the program: If the program is not working as intended, the engineer refines the code and repeats the testing process until the desired outcome is achieved. 

7. Implement the program: Once the program has been successfully tested and refined, the engineer implements it on the robotic arm and monitors its performance to ensure that it continues to function as intended.