Imaging system for an automated production line

An imaging system 101 suitable for use in an automated production line 103 for processing car engine parts, the imaging system 101 comprising: a primary imaging device camera 105 configured to capture an image of an item 107 on the automated production line 103, this image is compared to one or more verification images stored in a database 111, when the item has been identified appropriate instructions are sent to automated production station 109 which processes the item, this allows one production line to process many different parts, appropriate instructions for processing each part are sent to the station 109 in response to the image of the item being identified; a secondary imaging device 129 is configured to capture one or more of the verification images of a subsequent item 113 and update the database 111 in parallel with the operation of the primary imaging device 105 whilst the automated assembly line 103 is in operation, this allows the production line to continue operating while updating the database.