Abstract: A workpiece positioning system for a machine (34) which is supplied by a robotic transfer mechanism, the system being composed of:a workpiece (2) in the form of a length of barstock having a longitudinal dimension and two opposed longitudinal ends (8), with each end (8) being provided with at least one recess (10) having surfaces (16,18) which are inclined to the longitudinal dimension;a locating device (20) having components for securing the device in a defined position to the machine (34); anda workpiece engaging device (24) secured to the locating device (20) in a defined position relative to the locating device (20) and having a projecting portion (26) provided with positioning surfaces (50,52) corresponding to the surfaces (16,18) of the recess (10) at a respective end (8) of the workpiece (2) and engageable with the corresponding surfaces (16,18) for bringing the respective end (8) of the workpiece (2) to a defined position relative to the engaging device (24).