An automated pin anvil press for connecting a workpiece pair at a plurality of pin locations with a plurality of pins includes a platform, an anvil paired with a puncher, and a position control camera capable of taking position alignment images. The platform includes a base, an x-y stage including a floor with a central opening and a y-axis datum and a x-axis datum aligned along a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, respectively, and a primary constraint mechanism on the x-y stage wherein activation of the primary constraint mechanism constrains at least one of the workpiece pair on the x-y stage. The platform also includes x-axis and y-axis carriages connecting the x-y stage to the base, wherein activation of an x-axis actuator connected to the x-axis carriage moves the x-y stage parallel to the first axis.