Universal machining apparatus and control system

A system for automating manufacture of a plurality of workpieces comprising:

• a holding device with a plurality of holding fixtures, wherein the position and force exerted by the plurality of holding fixtures is programmable;
• at least one tool socket, wherein the tool socket is capable of receiving a tool;
• a plurality of storage units capable of storing at least a plurality of raw materials, a plurality of finished workpieces, and a plurality of tools;
• at least one robot capable of exchanging raw materials and finished workpieces between the respective holding fixture and the respective storage unit, and exchanging tools between the tool socket and the respective storage unit;
• at least one measurement device capable of measuring a physical parameter of each workpiece;
• a control computer, the control computer receiving a plurality of physical parameters corresponding to each workpiece of the plurality of workpieces, deriving from the physical parameters required tools and raw materials, checking the plurality of storage units for the derived required tools and derived raw materials, and sequentially initiating the manufacture of the plurality of workpieces.