Modular Robots

I think I just stumbled across a very cool idea - modular robotics.  I found this article about robot cubes.  They each have different programming and a different action associated with them.  They can be combined in multiple ways and the resulting "robots" do a number of different actions.  

Modular robotics is an interesting concept.  I like the idea that programming is incorporated in the module attached to the machine.  I'm sure that idea can be extended to other types of robots, rather than the cube-shaped educational toys discussed above.  Today it is already being done to some extent with smart camera, being manufactured by Cognex.  Their cameras have complete operating systems with a human-machine interface built in, and the capacity to connect relatively seamlessly with many control systems.  

Now we just need to get other parts manufacturers to manufacture the same type of equipment.  Pre-programmed hands that know the proper grip strength to not crush an egg.  Pre-programmed pumps or bladders to fight fires.  Pre-programmed treads/wheels/feet, for locomotion.  And of course a central processor that allows the linkage of all those.  And those are just based on the human anatomy!  What about chainsaws?  Size-restricted appendages?  Super-alloy materials?  Magnetic systems?  We could have a modular Magneto robot!