Abstract: A system for manipulating objects includes a scanner arranged to optically scan an object in a first position to obtain position data indicative of the first position, a manipulation module arranged to receive the position data and to generate orientation instructions therefrom for reorienting a manipulation arm from a first orientation corresponding to engagement of the object by the arm when the object is in the first position to a second orientation corresponding to engagement of the object by the arm when the object is in a second position, and an arm controller arranged to receive the orientation instructions and to control the manipulation arm to manipulate the object from the first position to the second position based on the orientation instructions.