A feed device for the automatic shifting of objects is provided. The feed device includes a storage area or a holding element and a driven feed unit by means of which an object arranged on the storage area or at the holding element of the feed device can be shifted when the feed unit engages at the object, and wherein the feed device includes at least one electronic component which electronically detects a movement of the feed unit. The electronic component is configured such that the covering of a distance by the feed unit during movement of the feed unit is directly detected as an electric pulse and that the covering of respectively predefined distances of the feed unit generates a pulse sequence characteristic for the distances covered by the electronic component having different contact device at which in each case a pulse is generated which is characteristic for the respective contact device when the feed unit has covered a predefined distance.