A modular device, comprising: a plurality of modules (510, 520, 530) communicatively coupled to each other, each module (510, 520, 530) including: an actuator mount configured to removably engage an actuator suitable for maneuvering any module (510, 520, 530) coupled thereto; an interface configured to communicate with a controller remote from each module (510, 520, 530), the remote controller capable of controlling the actuator; an end-effector configured to accomplish a manufacturing function; and a local controller (511, 521, 531) characterized in that the local controller is configured to control the respective end-effector independent of a remote master control system and wherein each local controller (511, 521, 531) is configured to communicate with every other local controller (511, 521, 531) according to a hierarchy of control protocol with respect to each local controller (511, 521, 531) present in the modular device; wherein: at least one module (510, 520, 530) is configured to be controlled by at least one other controller (511, 521, 531) of at least one other module (510, 520, 530) independent of the remote master controller and wherein the modular device further comprises a communication module configured to communicate electronic signals to and from the master control system; at least one local controller (511, 521, 531) is further configured to receive an electronic start signal from the master control system that causes the at least one local controller (511, 521, 531) to initiate the manufacturing function of at least one other device module; and the at least one local controller (511, 521, 531) is further configured to send an electronic finish signal to the master control system corresponding to the at least one other device module accomplishing the manufacturing function. a plurality of modules (510, 520, 530) communicatively coupled to each other, each module (510, 520, 530) including: an actuator mount configured to removably engage an actuator suitable for maneuvering any module (510, 520, 530) coupled thereto; an interface configured to communicate with a controller remote from each module (510, 520, 530), the remote controller capable of controlling the actuator; an end-effector configured to accomplish a manufacturing function; and a local controller (511, 521, 531) characterized in that the local controller is configured to control the respective end-effector independent of a remote master control system and wherein each local controller (511, 521, 531) is configured to communicate with every other local controller (511, 521, 531) according to a hierarchy of control protocol with respect to each local controller (511, 521, 531) present in the modular device; an actuator mount configured to removably engage an actuator suitable for maneuvering any module (510, 520, 530) coupled thereto; an interface configured to communicate with a controller remote from each module (510, 520, 530), the remote controller capable of controlling the actuator; an end-effector configured to accomplish a manufacturing function; and a local controller (511, 521, 531) characterized in that the local controller is configured to control the respective end-effector independent of a remote master control system and wherein each local controller (511, 521, 531) is configured to communicate with every other local controller (511, 521, 531) according to a hierarchy of control protocol with respect to each local controller (511, 521, 531) present in the modular device; wherein: at least one module (510, 520, 530) is configured to be controlled by at least one other controller (511, 521, 531) of at least one other module (510, 520, 530) independent of the remote master controller and wherein the modular device further comprises a communication module configured to communicate electronic signals to and from the master control system; at least one local controller (511, 521, 531) is further configured to receive an electronic start signal from the master control system that causes the at least one local controller (511, 521, 531) to initiate the manufacturing function of at least one other device module; and the at least one local controller (511, 521, 531) is further configured to send an electronic finish signal to the master control system corresponding to the at least one other device module accomplishing the manufacturing function. at least one module (510, 520, 530) is configured to be controlled by at least one other controller (511, 521, 531) of at least one other module (510, 520, 530) independent of the remote master controller and wherein the modular device further comprises a communication module configured to communicate electronic signals to and from the master control system; at least one local controller (511, 521, 531) is further configured to receive an electronic start signal from the master control system that causes the at least one local controller (511, 521, 531) to initiate the manufacturing function of at least one other device module; and the at least one local controller (511, 521, 531) is further configured to send an electronic finish signal to the master control system corresponding to the at least one other device module accomplishing the manufacturing function.