Abstract: In an automated production process it is essential that individual workpieces 2 should be in their accurate positions when being fed into the machining facility which follows. It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus for identifying the lateral position of a workpiece, especially a ball hub 2. In carrying out the method in accordance with the invention, first the presence of the workpiece 2 in its position when measured is identified by the reaction of a stationary sensor 17, subsequently the contour of the workpiece is scanned by at least two movable, spaced sensors 22, 23, and the position of the workpiece is identified by determining the difference in travel between the sensors 22, 23.