System and method for self-contained modular manufacturing device having nested controllers

A manufacturing system, comprising:

• a first modular system, having:
• a plurality of self-contained modular devices, each self-contained modular device including:
• an actuator mount configured to removably engage an actuator suited to maneuver any modular device coupled thereto;
• an interface configured to communicate with a master control system remote from each self-contained modular device that is capable of controlling the actuator;
• an end-effector configured to accomplish a manufacturing function;
• and
• a local controller configured to control the respective end-effector independent of the master control system;
• and
• a second modular system having at least one modular device that includes a self-contained local controller configured to control the respective end-effector independent of the master control system and configured to be controlled by at least one other local controller of at least one other self-contained modular device in the manufacturing system.

A method, comprising:

• maneuvering a first self-contained modular manufacturing device to a position to accomplish a first manufacturing function, the maneuvering controlled by a master controller remote from the first self-contained modular manufacturing device;
• indicating to the first self-contained modular manufacturing device that the first self-contained modular manufacturing device is in the position;
• accomplishing the first manufacturing function, the accomplishing controlled by a first local controller disposed in the first self-contained modular manufacturing device;
• maneuvering a second self-contained modular manufacturing device to the first position to accomplish a second manufacturing function, the maneuvering controlled by the first local controller;
• indicating to the second self-contained modular manufacturing device that the second self-contained modular manufacturing device is in the position;
• accomplishing the second manufacturing function, the accomplishing controlled by a second local controller disposed in the second self-contained modular manufacturing device;
• indicating to the first local controller that the second self-contained modular manufacturing device has accomplished the second manufacturing function;
• and
• indicating to the master controller that the first and second self-contained modular manufacturing device has accomplished the second manufacturing function.