Robots are more flexible than task-specific hardware for automation. In theory, one can change a robot's task simply by loading a new program into the robot's controller. However, in practice, each robot has a configuration and sensing capabilities that support only the applications for which the system was designed.
The CMU Reconfigurable Modular Manipulator System (RMMS) addresses the problems associated with conventional fixed-configuration manipulators. The RMMS utilizes a stock of interchangeable joint (actuator) and link modules of different size and performance specifications. It extends the concept of modularity to include the control algorithms and task planning software.