A machine learning system may automatically produce classifier algorithms and configuration parameters by selecting them into a set of predetermined unitary algorithms and associated parametrization values. Multiple digital representations of input object items may be produced by varying the position and orientation of the object to be classified and/or of the sensor to capture a digital representation of the object, and/or by varying a physical environment parameter which changes the digital representation capture of the object by the sensor. A robot arm or a conveyor may vary the object and/or the sensor positions and orientations. The machine learning system may employ generic programming to facilitate the production of classifiers suitable for the classification of multiple digital representations of input object items. The machine learning system may automatically generate reference template signals as configuration parameters for the unitary algorithms to facilitate the production of classifiers suitable for the classification of multiple digital representations of input object items.