A machine for executing a process, wherein the machine is configured to influence or to generate a target object as part of the process, wherein the machine comprises a sensor apparatus for detecting the target object, wherein the sensor apparatus comprises a sensor unit and an evaluation device, wherein the sensor unit is configured to detect the target object in a detection zone of the sensor unit and to generate a sensor signal that can be influenced by the target object, wherein the evaluation device is configured to process the sensor signal as a first input variable and to generate an output signal, which indicates the detection of the target object, in dependence on the sensor signal, wherein the evaluation device is configured to process a process parameter of the process, which acts on the target object, and/or a target object parameter, which characterizes the target object and is influenced by the process, as a respective further input variable, and to generate the output signal in dependence on the process parameter and/or the target object parameter, characterized in that the machine is configured as a machine tool, wherein the machine is configured, on the execution of the process, to machine a workpiece, preferably a plate-like workpiece, in a separating manner while forming a cut-free workpiece part, wherein the target object is formed by the workpiece part, wherein the machine is configured, on the execution of the process, to move the workpiece part from a workpiece support into a removal position by free fall, wherein the sensor unit is arranged such that the target object is detected by the sensor unit during the free fall into the removal position, wherein the evaluation device is configured to detect the target object in order to determine whether the target object has reached the removal position. wherein the machine is configured to influence or to generate a target object as part of the process, wherein the machine comprises a sensor apparatus for detecting the target object, wherein the sensor apparatus comprises a sensor unit and an evaluation device, wherein the sensor unit is configured to detect the target object in a detection zone of the sensor unit and to generate a sensor signal that can be influenced by the target object, wherein the evaluation device is configured to process the sensor signal as a first input variable and to generate an output signal, which indicates the detection of the target object, in dependence on the sensor signal, wherein the evaluation device is configured to process a process parameter of the process, which acts on the target object, and/or a target object parameter, which characterizes the target object and is influenced by the process, as a respective further input variable, and to generate the output signal in dependence on the process parameter and/or the target object parameter, characterized in that the machine is configured as a machine tool, wherein the machine is configured, on the execution of the process, to machine a workpiece, preferably a plate-like workpiece, in a separating manner while forming a cut-free workpiece part, wherein the target object is formed by the workpiece part, wherein the machine is configured, on the execution of the process, to move the workpiece part from a workpiece support into a removal position by free fall, wherein the sensor unit is arranged such that the target object is detected by the sensor unit during the free fall into the removal position, wherein the evaluation device is configured to detect the target object in order to determine whether the target object has reached the removal position.