A system for inspecting an upper of a shoe includes an optical sub-system and a processor. The optical sub-system captures an image related to a work piece which includes the upper and a last so as to output image data representing the image. The processor receives the image data, establishes a work piece model that is a three-dimensional model of the work piece based on the image data, obtains a cross section of the work piece model, obtains an entry of section data related to the cross section of the work piece model, and compares the entry of section data and an entry of predetermined standard data so as to generate a result of inspection indicating whether the upper is normal.

A method for automatically pulling a shoe upper onto a last using a robot which includes a robot controller, a robot arm controlled automatically by the robot controller, and a gripper which is moved by the robot arm and which is designed to hold a shoe upper.