Introduction

See initial discussion from 2006 at Open Source Technology Pattern Language. This is the next phase in 2012 after preactical experience with many of the modules.

While this language appears obvious - a car for example has a power unit, transmission, wheels - the distinguishing features of this set are:

Rapid access to replacement of modules - for example, typical replacement of a transmission module in a car takes hours. Here, a transmission module can be fitted in minutes.
Flexibility - modules are typically dedicated to specific machines in industry-standard machines. Here, these are adaptable to many applications to convert one machine into another - such as a tractor to a bulldozer.