Work is performed on workpieces (81), e.g., coating circuit boards, of different types in random order in assembly-line fashion on a rotary table (31) of an apparatus (30) under programmed control. The table (31) is rotated stepwise to move successive sections (32) thereof from a load-unload station (36) at which the respective workpieces (81) are loaded and unloaded in random order, to a sensing station (37) at which the type and orientation of each workpiece (81) is sensed, next to a work station (38) at which work is performed on the workpiece (81) in dependence upon its type and orientation as previously sensed at the sensing station (37), and, in turn, back to the load-unload station (36) to complete a cycle. The workpiece (81) is either changed in orientation on the table section (32) for a repeat cycle to perform further work thereon or is replaced by another workpiece (81) in random order.