This paper proposes a fuzzy-sliding mode control which is designed by a self tuning fuzzy inference method based on a genetic algorithm. Using the method, the number of inference rules and the shape of the membership functions of the proposed fuzzy-sliding mode control are optimized without the aid of an expert in robotics. The fuzzy outputs of the consequent part are updated by the gradient descent method. It is further guaranteed that the selected solution becomes the global optimal solution by optimizing Akaikes information criterion expressing the quality of the inference rules. In order to evaluate the learning performance of the proposed fuzzy-sliding mode control based on a genetic algorithm, a trajectory tracking simulation of the polishing robot is carried out. Simulation results show that the optimal fuzzy inference rules are automatically selected by the genetic algorithm and the trajectory control result is similar to the result of the fuzzy-sliding mode control which is selected through trial error by an expert. Therefore, a designer who does not have expert knowledge of robot systems can design the fuzzy-sliding mode controller using the proposed self tuning fuzzy inference method based on the genetic algorithm.