Universal payload abstraction

In a computing system characterized by one or more mission payload modules communicatively coupled to a core module via an adapter plate, a method for hardware abstraction, the method comprising:

• establishing a communication link between the one or more mission payload modules and the core module via the adapter plate;
• gathering, by the adapter plate, from each mission payload module unique payload identification information;
• providing to the core module, by the adapter plate, specific mission payload module configuration protocols that manipulates mission payload module functionality;
• providing, by the core module to the one or more mission payload modules via the adapter plate, intrinsic robotic functionality;
• collecting, by the one or more mission payload modules, mission specific data;
• and
• responsive to one or more of the payload modules requiring intrinsic robotic functionally, interfacing with the core module by the payload module to affect intrinsic robotic functionality wherein each mission payload module can interface and operate with any core module.