System and method for self-contained self-calibrating modular manufacturing tool

A system, comprising:

• 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 tool coupled thereto;
• an interface configured to communicate with the actuator;
• an end-effector disposed in modular tool and configured to accomplish a manufacturing function, the end-effector further including a sensor configured to sense an aspect of an underlying manufactured item to which the manufacturing function is performed;
• and
• a local controller disposed in the modular tool and configured to receive a signal corresponding to the aspect sensed by the sensor and further configured to control the actuator in response to the sensed signal to maneuver the end-effector to a function position with respect to the underlying manufactured item;
• and
• a master control system configured to communicate with each self-contained modular device and further configured to control at least one actuator independent of any local controller.

A method, comprising:

• maneuvering a self-contained modular manufacturing device to a first position with respect to an underlying manufactured item, the maneuvering controlled by a master controller remote from the self-contained modular manufacturing device;
• indicating to the self-contained modular manufacturing device that the self-contained modular manufacturing device is in the first position;
• assuming control of the self-contained modular manufacturing device with a local controller disposed in the self-contained modular manufacturing device;
• sensing an aspect of the underlying manufactured item;
• maneuvering a self-contained modular manufacturing device to a second position with respect to an underlying manufactured item in response to sensing the aspect;
• accomplishing the manufacturing function, the accomplishing controlled by the local controller;
• indicating to the master controller that the self-contained modular manufacturing device has accomplished the manufacturing function;
• passing control of the self-contained modular manufacturing device back to the master control system;
• and
• maneuvering the self-contained modular manufacturing device away from the first position, the maneuvering controlled by the master controller.