Abstract: A positioning apparatus that includes at least two rails, at least two work carriers, and a drive unit. The at least two rails (1) are arranged next to one another and have longitudinal directions. The at least two work carriers (2.1-2.n) are arranged on each rail (1) in such a way as to be traversable one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the rail (1) and are able to be fixed independently of one another in selectable positions. The work carriers (2.1-2.n) traversable on the rails (1) are arranged next to one another so as to allow traverse drive of only one of the work carriers (2.1-2.n) on the rail (1) so as to form an independently driven work carrier that carries along at least one non-independently driven work carrier (2.2-2.n). The drive unit (5, 15) is provided on the rail (1) and/or on the driven work carrier (2.1).