Modular and reconfigurable manufacturing systems

A modular manufacturing system comprising:

• multiple manipulation modules each including a base and a platform configured to either linearly move relative to the base or rotate relative to the base, the platform having a top planar mating surface comprising alignment elements configured to align the module with other components of the system, connection elements separate from the alignment elements configured to mechanically attach the module to other components of the system, and an array of electrical contacts configured to electrically connect the module with electrical contacts of other components of the system, the electrical contacts comprising spring-loaded pins that are radially arranged from a center of the top planar mating surface outward toward an edge of the top mating surface, the base having a bottom planar mating surface comprising alignment elements configured to align the module with other components of the system, connection elements separate from the alignment elements configured to mechanically attach the module to other components of the system, and an array of electrical contacts configured to electrically connect the module with electrical contacts of other components of the system, the electrical contacts comprising concentrically arranged continuous circular contacts that are each configured to contact a radially arranged spring-loaded pin of another component of the system;
• and
• an end effector including a tool configured to perform a manufacturing task and a planar mating surface comprising alignment elements configured to align the end effector with other components of the system, connection elements separate from the alignment elements configured to mechanically attach the end effector to other components of the system, and an array of electrical contacts configured to electrically connect the end effector with electrical contacts of other components of the system, the electrical contacts comprising concentrically arranged continuous circular contacts that are each configured to contact a radially arranged spring-loaded pin of another component of the system;
• wherein the modules and end effector can be mechanically and electrically connected in multiple configurations to alter the configuration of the system and the manufacturing tasks that the system can perform.