A ball bar is a very convenient device for measuring the motion accuracy of machine tools. Some trials have also been done for measuring motion accuracy of industrial robots. Nowadays, multi-axis machines such as five-axis machining centers are very popular, and therefore, there is increased demand for checking their accuracy. This paper introduces an idea for checking the motion accuracy of five-axis machining centers and diagnosing error sources by reviewing trial measurements on articulated industrial robots. There are two problems. The first problem is that the ball bar can measure only distances, and the second problem is that the ball bar is a linear device and therefore not suitable for the rotary axis motion of 5-axis machines and articulated robots. Finally, the test conditions for the measurement of the motion accuracy of a machine tool showing conical motion, by using the ball bar and ISO/DIS 10791-6 (which is currently being edited) are reviewed and verified.